home inspector and real estate agent

Home inspectors and real estate agents both play essential roles in the home buying process. Realtors will assist their clients in finding an ideal property while home inspectors ensure it remains in good condition.

However, agents should never alter a home inspector’s recommendations as doing so may put them in violation of licensing laws and risk being penalized for it.

What is a Home Inspection?

Before purchasing a house, it’s crucial to have an inspection conducted by a professional home inspector. This will give you an accurate picture of its condition and help avoid any surprises along the way.

Home inspectors specialize in inspecting homes for safety, health and major mechanical issues that do not comply with state codes. In addition, they will look out for things nearing their lifespan end that might need replacing soon – such as roof, foundation and basement structures.

Home inspectors also conduct electrical system assessments to make sure there are no hazards, appropriate circuit breakers and working outlets, among other issues such as signs of water damage.

Real estate agents typically work with an assortment of inspectors; however, it’s always wise to shop around and select the one who’s best suited to you and your individual needs. Reach out to friends and family members or use online resources such as ASHI’s inspector search tool or NACHI’s list of certified home inspectors as resources in making this decision.

Once your inspection is complete, you and your real estate agent will review its report together in order to gain a full understanding of its condition and identify any issues which must be addressed before signing your sales contract. If any major repairs need to be done before closing or credits to cover their cost may be offered by sellers prior to finalizing sales contract terms.

Though some issues identified by home inspectors can appear daunting at first, they usually turn out to be less severe than initially anticipated. For instance, an inspector might flag an apparent plumbing problem as something serious when in reality it’s only something simple like a clogged pipe or worn-out valve requiring attention. Real estate agents often explain these types of issues to homebuyers who were absent during inspections.

Why is a Home Inspection Important?

Home inspectors provide invaluable services for both real estate agents and homebuyers. Their reports help prospective buyers gain a thorough understanding of any prospective purchases, offering significant bargaining power during negotiations. Meanwhile, sellers benefit from understanding which issues must be resolved prior to placing their home for sale.

Purchase of a home can be one of the biggest investments most will ever make, and skipping an inspection could expose you to unexpected problems and costly repairs. Home inspections can save money by identifying problems which need addressing and providing you with information you can rely on in making your decisions confidently.

Many buyers include a home inspection contingency in their contract. This gives them the option of withdrawing if they’re dissatisfied with the results of their inspection, relieving some stress and uncertainty during this major purchase. It can also give buyers and agents alike an idea of the expenses that await them, like roof and furnace replacement expenses.

Attending your home inspection allows you to observe and ask questions of the inspector directly, making understanding his written report much simpler. If you need assistance understanding some of the technical language used in a report, having your real estate professional review it first might also be useful.

Home inspectors conduct a visual assessment of both the exterior and interior of a property, looking for signs of damage or deterioration as well as testing appliances and systems such as running the washing machine and dryer. They will estimate age of various systems such as roofing, furnace, electrical wiring and plumbing – as well as any major defects such as foundation cracking or roofing replacement requirements that must be addressed quickly for safety. Major defects can often prove costly to rectify and should therefore be dealt with as quickly as possible.

How Does a Home Inspection Work?

Home inspectors are trained to detect numerous flaws in homes, from obvious issues like sinking foundations and unsafe electrical wiring to smaller concerns like worn out carpeting or doors that don’t shut properly. Home inspection reports don’t advise buyers whether or not they should purchase, but rather provide insight into what their investment will entail when making this decision.

After conducting a home inspection, an inspector will provide an official report documenting its condition. This includes their findings as well as photos to illustrate any issues. It also highlights which parts were examined as well as items which require further evaluation or repairs.

Home inspections require both parties to be present so questions and any issues can be raised and addressed immediately. It’s also beneficial for the buyer to pose questions to their home inspector during and review their report afterwards.

Depending on the size and nature of the home, home inspections typically last two or three hours. An inspector will explore all accessible areas of the property such as its roof, attic and visible insulation; interior plumbing and electrical systems; foundation, basement and structural components as well as walls, ceilings, floors and windows for any safety hazards such as lead paint or asbestos before discussing their findings with potential buyers.

Depending on what the home inspection reveals, such as costly cosmetic defects or major structural damage, buyers may decide not to proceed with their purchase, or ask that certain conditions be added into their sales contract. It is wise for buyers to work closely with both their home inspector and real estate agent in devising an action plan that makes sense for everyone involved.

Sellers and buyers should prepare for home inspections by activating all utilities, removing pets from the premises and clearing items that might obstruct access to areas of the property. Buyers should bring checkbooks and credit cards as well as forms required by their mortgage lenders for this important meeting.

What Should I Expect from a Home Inspection?

Real estate agents typically enlist multiple home inspectors. That means they’re constantly on the lookout for key qualities in potential inspectors: customer service, work ethic, communication skills and being able to offer in-demand services. Spending some time learning which issues are prevalent in your region (for instance mold in humid regions) and becoming certified to inspect them can set yourself apart from competitors, according to Spectora.

Education of your clients on the inspection process should not be overly animated or chatty; rather, making an honest effort to make sure they understand what’s happening during an inspection can demonstrate your commitment to meeting their needs. Furthermore, remind them what they should do to prepare for it by turning on all utilities, clearing clutter that might obstruct views, and checking all smoke/CO alarms are working as soon as possible.

Once the inspection is over, take time to address any queries and address any concerns from clients. This demonstrates your dedication to their satisfaction while further underscoring your expertise.

Take this chance to explain any repairs or new information you’ve discovered, so your client is fully prepared for their closing day and more easily can discuss concerns with the seller.

Remind your clients that they can choose any home inspector of their choosing, or suggest one or two that feel right to them. However, you should advise them to shop around for the ideal inspector based on online reviews as well as recommendations from friends or family who recently purchased homes nearby, suggests Spectora.

When home inspectors uncover serious defects, buyers have the right to walk away from the sale or negotiate a lower purchase price. You can help safeguard your clients’ interests by suggesting this option only when severe structural damage, termite infestation or major water damage has occurred.

Share via
Copy link