5 Reasons You Need to Get a Home Inspection Before Buying Your First Home

May 29, 2019

By Mike Myers

Posted in: Maintenance Tips

Buying a house can be a complicated experience, especially for first time buyers, and among multiple closing cost items, you might wonder why you really need to pay $500 or more out of your own pocket for a home inspection. Some people might be so turned off by the home buying process that they choose to continue to rent a 3-bedroom apartment with two other roommates for market rate instead.

We know the process isn’t as simple as buying or selling a car for an instant offer, but that said, savvy home buyers know that the inspection is very important, however, and here are five good reasons why:

Something Might Be Wrong

Just because the home is at a cool 70 degrees on a sunny and warm 80-degree day doesn’t mean that the AC unit can really handle the heat. A trained inspector will go well beyond mere first impressions to ascertain whether your prospective home’s HVAC system is viable in all weather conditions.

Likewise, if nothing is visibly dripping, it doesn’t necessarily mean that there are no hidden water leaks in the walls; usually only an inspector with special equipment can detect them.

It’s a Great Investment

When you send an offer to purchase to a seller, there is something included called the option period. For a few hundred dollars, this option period gives you the right to back out of the deal if you find out that something is wrong and needs to be repaired. If the septic system hasn’t been maintained, for example, a home inspector will quickly realize the issue and you can go back to the sellers during the option period and demand that they perform proper maintenance. If they refuse, you can walk away from the deal. Or, you can negotiate a cheaper home price and take on the repairs yourself.

The Bank May Demand It

A good lending institution has its own best interests at heart, but these may also coincide with yours. The bank does not want to finance a home with issues you aren’t aware of, and they may include an inspection as a part of their closing requirements.

You May Find Pest Issues

OK, so since you live in northern Wisconsin, termites are bugs you only see on TV. When you move to Dallas, TX, though, termites can be a real issue and you may need a professional inspector to ascertain whether you have a problem or not. You don’t want to discover pest and insect issues until after you are a homeowner and getting a good inspector can prevent serious aggravation. While you’re at it, check on those drains, too. The pros can help you keep your drains clean and free from more repair issues.

Peace of Mind

Even if you are purchasing a relatively new home, it’s important to have it inspected, and although you may be a skilled DIY person, having a great report from a qualified and competent inspector can certainly help you sleep better at night.

Bonus Reason

One usually unconsidered reason to get a home inspection is that the inspection can reveal illegal or unpermitted additions and renovations. Chantay Bridges of Clear Choice Realty & Associates has said, “If a house has illegal room additions that are un-permitted, it affects the insurance, taxes, usability and most of all the overall value. In essence, a buyer is purchasing something that legally does not exist.” An inspection that uncovers these problems can save you a lot of money and problems.

We do understand that closing costs can be formidable, but we advise that you don’t skimp on home inspection costs.