To Inspect or Not? That is the Question…
February 19th, 2008 Categories: Alexandria Dirt, Arlington Dirt, Falls Church Dirt, First Time Buyers Club, McLean Dirt, Northern Virginia Home Buying, Northern Virginia Real Estate Dirt, Real Estate 101, Reston Dirt
One of the questions I get asked a lot is “do I need a home inspection?” ![Images[3]](http://www.thearlingtondirt.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/images3-small.jpg)
Well, MOST of the time the answer is a resounding YES!!! Not only is it an opportunity to uncover possible deficiencies in your prospective new home, but it’s also your chance to learn about your home. Perhaps you’ve never bought a home before? Or perhaps you’ve always had a heat pump and in your new home it’s a gas furnace… Your Home Inspector will help you learn all sorts of wonderful things about your home and about home maintenance in general.
With regard to property condition, here in Northern Virginia, our contract stipulates that there will be 6 systems to convey to the purchaser in Normal Working Order: heating systems, cooling systems, plumbing, electrical, appliances and smoke/fire detectors. Aside from those, sellers generally aren’t required to warrant or disclose to a purchaser anything about the condition of their property. This is why a home inspection becomes very important.
So let’s look at some exceptions:
Condominium Purchase
If you’re purchasing a “traditional” condominium unit in a building - you know, like a box in a building – I’m not referring to the garden style with direct entry, maybe porches, patios, multi-level, etc… – but a traditional apartment style condo – there’s not a lot for the home inspector to uncover about your property that’s not already covered by the Normal Working Order requirements as described above. So they can look at the windows, the walls, floors, doors, etc… but really in a condo, I typically recommend a Home Warranty which covers most appliances, heating/cooling systems, etc… as an added protection for the first year. The only exception being if your eyes are telling you that you suspect problems… trust your gut!
If you’re purchasing a condo unit that is perhaps structurally a little more complicated, has attic access, dormer windows, has stairs, is significantly larger or generally you’re unsure of condition, it’s always a good idea to go ahead with the home inspection
An AS-IS Sale
Sometimes around here, sellers want to sell their homes in “as-is” condition. This just means that they’re not even going to conform to the standard contract language requiring those 6 systems listed above to be in normal working order… so they’re asking the purchaser to accept it in as-is condition as of the date of the contract. So basically what-you-see-is-what-you-get. In this case, it’s still a good idea to get a home inspection but what the seller is saying is that 1) they will not remedy anything and 2) they won’t let you out of your contract based on home inspection findings. Although special language can be written in acknowledging the first point, but still asking for an “out” based on findings. Anyway, in either case, it’s a situation to be a little leary of unless you basically already know what you’re getting into OR you’re VERY handy and it doesn’t matter.
Another tactic in these situations would be to go ahead with seller permission and have a home inspection completed prior to writing a contract. Then you’ve got a little protection.
So, I hope you’re a little more comfortable on the topic of home inspections… a few more thoughts… Always hire a home inspector that’s certified either through ASHI, NAHI or NACHI.
Any other questions? You know where to find me.
Happy Tuesday!
Jennifer
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I think a home inspection is necessary. Just to know if the roof is good, foundation is good, structure is secure, is there any termite damage, water damage and much more. This will allow you to ask home sellers to fix or reduce the price or if as is to plan for repairs when making a bid on the home.
Nice job, Jennifer. This is a really important topic, and you laid out the points really well!
Great information Jennifer.
Check out Old Republic Home Warranty, I do a good amount of business in your office. Our cost and coverage is the best you will find. Also, no payment is due unless the house sells - FREE Seller Coverage.
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Molly
An inspection a must on my list for sure. Why wouldn’t you. It’s the best way to be sure of what you are buying.
With so many foreclosures selling “as is” condition a home inspection is very important. Most of these homes received little if any maintenance and may reflect in unattended issues.