We get it—the home buying process can take a lot out of you. By the time you find the right one and decide to make an offer you’re either too excited to think twice about a home inspection or too trusting of what you see on the surface. So while you may be tempted to skip the buyer’s home inspection, we urge you to reconsider. With help from West Michigan Home Inspectors LLC, this one extra step can save you time, money, and a lot of headaches in the long run.
Here are just a few reasons why a buyer’s home inspection is so important:
Uncover issues that are invisible to the untrained eye
“Never judge a book by its cover.” It’s a saying we’ve all heard at least once, and its highly applicable in the world of home buying. While you’re focused on the open floor plan and size of the kitchen, a certified home inspector will notice electrical issues, problems with the foundation, and poor ventilation. Your love for the wall colors won’t last when you’re faced with hefty repair bills later on thanks to these otherwise invisible issues.
Discover illegal home additions
Would you be able to tell the difference between a home addition that was built legally or illegally? That’s OK – most people wouldn’t. Fortunately, the trained eye of a professional home inspector would. Illegal additions to your new home can seriously impact the taxes you owe and your insurance rates, as well as the home’s usability and overall value. A home inspection can discover whether any rooms were added and whether the garage or basement were altered without proper permits or conforming to code.
A buyer’s home inspection allows room for price negotiation
What a home inspection can reveal may work to your advantage when it comes to renegotiating the sale. Whether the report reveals issues the seller was trying to hide or ones they had no knowledge of doesn’t really matter. At the end of the day, if repairs are needed for a home to pass inspection, the money has to come out of someone’s pocket. A buyer’s home inspection can help you negotiate a lower sale price if that someone is you. Otherwise, you may be able to get the seller to fix the issues prior to closing.
One last opportunity to back out of the sale
If a home inspection turns up serious problems that go beyond your comfort level, such as safety issues like mold, carbon monoxide, and radon presence, you may be able to retract your offer. Most contracts should state that if any of these elements are detected during the inspection, the buyer can pull his offer. Your real estate agent will be able to help you understand your contract and discuss your options.
Buying a home is one of the biggest investments you will make in your life. Make sure you know exactly what you’re paying for. If you’re purchasing a home in Grand Rapids or the surrounding area of Western Michigan, call us at 616-443-0946. We offer thorough, professional home inspections at affordable prices that can help save you time, money, and unnecessary stress in the long run.