Inspect before you buy…

· Asbestos

· Lead

· Radon, Methane, Radiation and Formaldehyde

· Mold, Mildew and Fungi

· Wood-Destroying Organisms

· Rodents

· Sewer or septic system inspection

You might want to have additional specific inspections performed as well. But remember time is of the essence and you will have to pay for each of those inspections even if you elect not to buy the property!

When: Generally, the buyer has a defined time frame or window in which to make a home inspection and submit a requests for remediation (problem/issue resolution). This window is usually in the range of 5-10 days with specific defined periods following the inspection for both the Buyer and Seller to negotiate remediation of items of concern to the Buyer. Failure to comply with these time periods in effect nullifies the benefits guaranteed by the home inspection contingency. Therefore, once an offer is accepted … the home inspection usually becomes the very first order of business.

Who: Home inspections aren’t free and Sellers will rarely allow their inclusion in the costs that they agree to pay at closing. Consequently, buyers are frequently tempted to perform them personally or to have a friend or relative perform them. This is almost always a mistake. The inspection is best performed by a licensed home inspection professional, an independent third party working for the buyer’s interests that thoroughly understands the process and whose job it is to act in a timely professional manner.

The Buyer’s Agent will normally provide the buyer with a list of qualified Home Inspectors from which to choose; but, they should not and will not recommend a single specific inspector. Likewise, except for providing entry to the property, agents are rarely present for the home inspection to insure that the inspection is not influenced by them. Remember this is to be a fair and independent inspection.

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