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Home Inspections and What You Need to Know About Them

Posted Jun 14th 2022 in

Most home buyers will request an inspection because this process will reveal any significant issues with the home, including ones the sellers may not be aware of. Buyers and sellers will want these results because negotiations may occur regarding necessary repairs or other issues during the inspection. 

When closing the sale of a home, the buyer will generally hire a home inspector to come and perform a visual observation. Their expertise will allow them to confirm the state of the house while identifying any health and safety issues. The goal is for the buyer to be aware of this information before purchasing the home. The inspector will look for unsafe elements not functioning correctly or close to the end of the service life. They will also look for defective components. Everything from the plumbing system to the home’s exterior will be examined, focusing on health, safety, and major mechanical issues. 

A home inspection is not considered a pass/fail test, so there will be room for negotiation once the results are determined. The seller does not have to fix anything if they don’t want to, but the buyer can walk away from the deal if they are unhappy with the information the inspector provides. 

There are two kinds of home inspections; a seller’s inspection and a buyer’s inspection. A seller’s inspection will happen before the home is listed, and these results will allow the seller to fix any issues beforehand so that they don’t waste time in the closing process. A buyer’s inspection happens after the seller has accepted the buyer’s offer but before closing the sale, so the buyer can renegotiate their offer or ask for repairs. If they don’t like the results or are unhappy with the negotiations, they can walk away from the purchase, which can happen if the inspection reveals more issues than the buyer wants to deal with. 

Most home inspections will take a few hours to complete, and the report will be delivered in three to four days. Broken, defective, and hazardous issues will all be recorded, and the inspector will go through the interior and exterior of the house to look for safety issues. In most cases, the buyer and their real estate agent will be present during the home inspection, and the seller’s agent can also be present. While the home seller can stay for the process, it is not recommended as they are emotionally involved in the home and will not want to hear about any defects or problems. 

Home inspectors have a long list of things to check in a home and will complete this process thoroughly. They will inspect some of the areas for water damage, structural and foundation issues, damaged electrical system, plumbing problems, issues with the HVAC system, and a damaged roof. For example, they will not look at cosmetic issues like finishes, shutters, and home décor. 

Whether you’re buying or selling a home, the Baird Team will guide you through the process. We will take care of every detail to ensure your experience is smooth and stress-free and will do whatever it takes to find you your dream home. If you are looking for a reputable real estate agent in the Courtice, Clarington, Bowmanville, or Oshawa areas, contact our office today!