Real Estate Inspections
A standard home inspection is a visual examination of the
physical structure and major interior systems. A home inspection is
like a physical exam by a physician. It should be clearly understood
that a home inspection is not to be confused with an appraisal, a
building code inspection, a guarantee of any kind, and/or an
insurance policy on the condition of the property. It is a means to
identify as much as possible any defects previously unknown to you
that would change your decision to purchase. It is strongly
recommended that potential buyers consider having the following
inspections and/or tests performed prior to signing the final
purchase and sale contract: lead paint, pests, wood destroying
insects, radon gas presence, and well water quality and quantity.
The inspection is a means by
which you and your buyer's agent will discover if there are any
visible latent defects in the property. Latent defects
are those that you and your agent are not trained, qualified or
licensed to discover. The inspection should not be considered a means to
renegotiate the terms of the accepted offer regarding details that
have been previously disclosed to you or are deemed to be obvious to
a layperson. Most cosmetic flaws, for example, should be apparent to
the buyer without the aid of a professional.
The home inspection is typically scheduled after the offer to
purchase has been accepted by both parties but before the buyer signs
the purchase and sale contract.
Your buyer's agent may recommend inspection professionals or you
may choose an inspector from the list of licensed inspectors
maintained by the
Massachusetts Board of Registration of Home Inspectors.
The inspector found some problems!
Now what?
First be sure that you understand if the issues
are truly defects or if the inspector is making recommendations. An
example might be that some homeowners pile up to much mulch in the
foundation beds around their homes. Inspectors will recommend that
the soil be at least 8 inches below the siding so as to discourage
wood eating pests from entering the house. This is not a defect. It
is a recommendation to make the correction after purchase. The
inspector will, and you want to encourage him/her, to speak freely
about recommended maintenance.
However, if a major problem is found that you believe ought to be
corrected by the seller, or because of which you no longer wish to
complete the purchase, you need to contact your buyer's agent. If
you wish the items to be corrected, you will need to notify the
seller in writing of your concerns and desired outcome. You will be
required to provide copies of the relevant sections of the
inspectors report. Your agent will forward these to the seller's
agent. Your agent will work with the seller's agent to negotiate the
outcome. If you are not satisfied, you may reject the deal and
request the return of your earnest money. Copyright©
2006 - Chris Kellogg
All Rights
Reserved
Last Modified
05/16/2007 |
