By Marissa Sainz, January 25, 2021
You can’t know what kind of problems a home can have at first glance. As a home buyer, doing a home inspection is KEY and could save you lots of potential hassle in your transaction. Keep in mind that the goal of a home inspection is to uncover issues that may impact you in the future. Some buyers stray away due to cost or simply take the seller’s word for the property condition. I encourage you to always initiate your own home inspection report. The reality is that purchasing a home is a big deal, so let’s treat it as such—and that’s where a home inspector comes in!
Keep these factors in mind when it’s time for your home inspection:
1. Be prepared to schedule your home inspection ASAP!
As soon as you’re under contract, you’ll want to schedule a home inspection. This allows adequate time for any additional inspections that may be needed as well as negotiations with the seller. Expect about a 2-4 hour time block for this inspection to take place. With that in mind, the written report may take a couple of days.
2. All of the critical foundations and systems of the property will be analyzed.
Expect to have the home foundation, structural components, roof, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems inspected. The inspector will also be checking that all major appliances are functioning. They’ll look around the attic and basement or crawlspace to assess any potential issues as well. Keep in mind, it’s the inspector’s job to remain neutral. They will never give you an opinion on their findings—instead, they will provide a written report once everything is evaluated. It’s then your responsibility to analyze the results.
3. Get involved with the inspection.
Attend the inspection. You want to make sure you know the ins-and-outs of what you’re getting involved with. This allows you to explore the home in greater detail and get more information firsthand rather than reading the report afterward.
4. Plan to pay the home inspection cost.
Anticipate hiring your home inspector and fronting the home inspection cost. Typically, the buyer takes on this cost. Even if the seller can offer their own home inspection report, it’s better to be proactive as a buyer and run your own home inspection report. In general, home inspections run anywhere from $250-$600. Again, this depends on the size and location of the home.
At the end of the day, home inspections are meant to protect all parties involved. It’s always good to get a thorough examination of a property before putting yourself on the title. A quality home inspection report should always include an extensive checklist and summary of all the major systems within the property.
To recap, you should expect the following to be examined in a home inspection report:
-The structural components of the property
-The electrical systems
-HVAC
-Plumbing
-The roof
-The property foundation
You can also expect photographs and any recommendations for repairs or replacements needed.
Keep in mind that the home buying process should continue as normal even if there are minor problems mentioned on your home inspection report. Typically, you can address minor issues with the seller or seller’s Realtor to get them resolved right away. When it comes to more serious issues, you may have to look into additional inspections or negotiating the current sale price of the home. Either way – that’s what your Realtor is for! To help guide and facilitate the process.
If you’re looking to buy in the near future and want more guidance on the home inspections process, connect with me! I’d be happy to help ensure that you have a smooth transaction.
Marissa Sainz
Broker | Earth Advantage | OR
She/Her
Whether you want to live in a hip Pearl District condo or a unique east side bungalow I am here to help you find the perfect home.
The Pearl District and the close in surrounding neighborhoods are exciting and evolving areas and where I focus my business.
It is important in our changing real estate world, where location is so vital to home buyers, to work with a neighborhood expert. We all want to live near our local grocery store and within walking distance of our favorite coffee spot, restaurants and parks.
I am here to guide buyers and sellers through the process every step of the way, if you are a first time home buyer searching for the perfect starter home or looking to move as your family and lifestyle change.
Marissa earned a degree in finance with a concentration in real estate from The University of Texas at Austin. Before coming to residential real estate in Portland Marissa worked for both a national and local commercial real estate firm. Around town Marissa is involved with the Women in Insurance and Financial Services Portland chapter as well as the Women's Council of REALTORS®.
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- T: 512-736-6111
- marissa@livingroomre.com
