Saturday, May 19, 2012

I Love It, What's Wrong with It


When buying a home we all get wrapped up in the beauty of the home, location, décor, etc.  What you need to remember is to not forget the importance of the home inspection.  It is one of those items that sometimes is overlooked or confused with the bank appraisal.  As a quick reminder, the appraisal is used by the bank to determine the market value of the property and whether they should lend on it.
A home inspection is an objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a house, from the roof to the foundation.  According to the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) "The standard home inspector's report will cover the condition of the home's heating system; central air conditioning system (temperature permitting); interior plumbing and electrical systems; the roof, attic and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; the foundation, basement and structural components."
 The inspection will cost you a few hundred dollars and it is definitely worth the investment when considering the cost of the home.  You should attend the inspection so that the inspector can answer questions and also show you what they have found. 
 Remember no home is perfect (this includes new homes), and you should expect the inspector to find some issues.  The key to evaluating the report is that it lets you know what to expect and then you can determine if you wish to undertake the repairs, negotiate with the seller, or if the property is not for you. 
 When looking for an inspector, you should use the same due diligence that you would for any other professional. Speak to a few of them, ask for references, find out if they are familiar with the area you are buying and the type of property you are purchasing.  Some sources for names are your agent, the local chamber of commerce and the ASHI website. 
Buying a new home can be fun and is exciting.  Just don't let the flash of the home cloud your judgment, get a home inspection and be safe.

The Vogin Team is your one stop choice for all of your real estate needs. With over 10 years of experience in real estate we have the expertise and experience to give the professional service your desire. Whether you are looking to buy or sell a home in South Florida we can help you. Learn more at http://www.voginteam.com

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