Main Line PA Home Inspections Guide is a home sellers best friend. Here is how to find an inspector, what to ask the inspector, and what to do if the inspector finds something that affects your sale. Read more!
How To Find A Home Inspector
Begin by gathering recommendations from your friends, family, colleagues, or future neighbors. You can expand your pool of options through websites like Angie’s List or Home Advisor. Your real estate agent can also suggest home inspectors they trust.
Once you have a list:
- Check their references – Find out whether customers were satisfied with the inspector’s attention to detail, communication, and responsiveness.
- Confirm their licensing requirements – Visit the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). They have an interactive map with specific home inspection license requirements for each state.
- See if they’re certified – The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors and National Association of Home Inspectors both have a set of guidelines for inspectors to follow and a stringent application process.
- Ask for a sample home inspection report – Compare what their services include and if their findings are clear and thorough.
What to Ask Your Home Inspector
During the inspection, your goal is to find out as much possible about the home’s condition. Having your own home inspection questions checklist will help you stay focused and get the most out of your time with the inspector.
Give them a heads up about anything you’ve noticed that concerns you. Then, as you tour the house, be sure to ask these questions when the inspector notices problems:
- What does that mean?
- How difficult is that to repair?
- What would you estimate as the cost to fix that?
- Is this a big deal or something you see often?
At the end of the inspection, find out what they think are the major problems (if any) and if they recommend any specialized inspections, such as termites. They’ll summarize this in their home inspection report, but it gives you a head start in contemplating your next steps.
What Happens If I Need Repairs?
Depending on the terms of your contract, you have three options if the house inspection uncovers issues.
- Ask the Seller to Make Repairs – You can provide the seller with a list of requested repairs.
- Request a Credit – You can ask for a credit (or concession) for the amount needed to cover repairs.
- Walk Away – If the seller won’t negotiate and you’re concerned about buying the house, you can back out of the deal completely.
This is the time to rely on the skills of your real estate professional. They’ll have negotiation strategies to help both buyers and sellers arrive at reasonable solutions.
A house inspection is an opportunity for you to be a more informed home buyer. By choosing a reputable inspection company, preparing a home inspection checklist, and asking lots of questions, you’ll ensure this house is – in fact – your dream home!
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