Hi everybody!

WOW--talk about HEAT! In all the years I have lived here, it's never been over 100 degrees...until this week! With an even higher heat index! And just looking at the weather channel, it looks like record highs in MANY areas. Drink lots of water!

Anyway, this week I'm going to talk about Home Inspections, what they entail, and whether or not they are worth the cost. I always recommend to my buyers to spend the money to get a home inspection--in this area, on an average 1500 square foot house, the cost is approximately $300. Cost is usually based on the square footage of the home.

So what does a home inspection cover? A thorough home inspector will check a lot of things in the home. They will climb on the roof, and check for obvious leaks, and identify if flashing is loose or broken, as well as soffitts that are damaged or in need of repair. They will also check the electrical system, the plumbing system, turning on all lights and ceiling fans, as well as faucets and showers, and appliances going with the home. This will include the dishwasher, stove, microwave, refridgerator, hot water heater and air conditioning and heating system.

If there are other systems, like a swimming pool, hot tub, etc., those will be checked to be in working order as well.

Regardless of the terms of the sale, (whether a regular sale or an "as-is" sale), getting a home inspection is a good idea for the buyer. This identifies issues that might snow-ball if not known. My husband and I bought a house a few years ago and had a home inspection. It was an "as-is" sale, and the inspector identified a number of electrical issues. This helped us to identify the costs needed for this prior to the purchase. In some contracts, if written accordingly, you can back away if updates or repairs will be over a specified amount. We still bought the home, but got the electrical fixed right away--it was a potential fire hazard.

So what about a seller getting an inspection when they are getting ready to list the home? If it is not an "as-is" sale, and you plan on fixing any issues anyway, it could help your closing go quicker than it otherwise would. I've seen sellers get the home inspection, make all the repairs, and provide all that information to those interested in the home. The buyers could have gotten their own home inspection, but chose not to. It's a personal choice.

SO, is a home inspection worth the cost? As a Realtor® and a home owner, I definitely think it is worth the cost to help eliminate surprises. It doesn't guarantee that things will continue to be perfect and work indefinitely after closing, but it sure helps give peace of mind!

What are your thoughts? Would you get a home inspection when buying? How about when selling your home, before putting it on the market? Let me know!

Until next time!

Valerie Sullivan
Broker/Owner, GRI, e-Pro
Sullivan Enterprises, LLC
www.ValerieSullivan.com
Valerie@ValerieSullivan.net