Before you can close on your next home purchase or sale, you may go through a home inspection process. Most homeowners and homebuyers know little about the inspection process, making them unable to advocate for themselves in the situation. Here are some basics of home inspection that you should know about before your next transaction.
Home Inspections Review the Condition of the Home
Professional home inspectors are there to review the overall condition of the home. Their findings can provide peace of mind to buyers and sellers that the home is in the condition they expect. A typical home inspection reviews the exterior of the home, which includes the foundation and drainage conditions. The inspectors also review the interior of the home, including plumbing and electrical conditions. Home inspections also include a review of the roof and any attic, basement, or crawl space.
The Home Buyer Pays
In most cases, the potential buyer of the home or property covers the cost of the home inspection. Sometimes the seller will include the cost of the home inspection into the closing costs. However, if there are issues that come up due to the inspection, the buyer can then request that the seller fix certain conditions in order for the sale to continue.
Home Inspection is Not Law
While having a home inspection as a part of the buying or selling process is not a law, it is best practice. Sometimes buyers consider the cost of inspection as additional fees they simply do not want to pay, it is in their best interest to invest in the inspection in order to assure the home is in good condition prior to the closing.
Work with Experts
When you hire a home inspector, assure they are experienced and thorough. You can ask your Realtor for a recommendation or base your decision on the referrals from your friends and neighbors. Similarly, don’t go into the home inspection process – whether you are a buyer or a seller – without the guidance of an experienced real estate attorney.
The team at Bell & Shah has decades of experience working with buyers and sellers throughout the Chicagoland area. We are dedicated to providing our clients with the best guidance and will advocate for your best interests throughout the process.
It’s never too late or too early to begin working with our team. Call us today to get started.
