Buying That First Home? Don’t Forget the Home Inspection
Many consumers are considering buying a house to take advantage of first-time homebuyer tax credits. Homebuyers will want to learn as much as they can before they buy in order to reduce unpleasant surprises and unexpected difficulties. A home inspection can identify the need for major repairs or builder oversights, as well as the need for costly maintenance to keep the house or condominium in good shape. With so many choices on the market right now, including foreclosures and short sales, a home inspection is especially important to reduce the risks for buyers. Buying a home will likely be the largest investment you will ever make. Here are six things to consider for the home inspection process:
- What type of equipment will be used? Proper equipment should range from the more sophisticated testing devices (electrical circuit analyzers, electronic carbon monoxide and fuel gas analyzers, digital moisture meters, digital cameras to document findings, etc.), to the more mundane but necessary equipment, such as ladders, flashlights, levels, etc.
- Be sure to follow the home inspector and ask questions. No questions are foolish for first time homebuyers. Learn as much as you can from the home inspector during the home inspection.
- Choose a home inspection company with top credentials. Choose a home inspection company that understands your needs and will work with you to help you meet your goals.
- Be sure to obtain a written home inspection report. Be sure that your home inspection report will be a detailed written report, not a hand written checklist that is given to you at the end of the home inspection.
- Ask about important professional affiliations. Be sure that the home inspection company you retain has professional affiliations, such as ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors)and NAHI (National Association of Home Inspectors).
- Be sure to attend the home inspection. First time homebuyers should attend the home inspection, which should take about two hours. One picture is worth a thousand words, and there is a unique opportunity to learn more about the home and its systems.
For more information about home ownership and the First Time Home Owner Tax Credit, contact an agent at Prudential Floberg REALTORS.
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