Whether you plan to buy or sell a home in Albuquerque, the one thing you’ll need to do is hire a home inspector. It may seem like just another expense in the process, but a home inspection can actually save you money and protect you against unforeseen costs.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when hiring a home inspector in Albuquerque.
1. You can select your home inspector.
You can find an inspector on your own or get a recommendation from your real estate professional. Members of the National Association of Home Inspectors, Inc. (NAHI), must complete an approved home inspector training program, demonstrate experience and competence as a home inspector, complete a written exam, and adhere to the NAHI Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.
2. Home inspections aim to highlight potential problems, not cosmetic flaws.
Your presence at the inspection and following the inspector during the inspection will enable you to determine what’s important. No house is perfect and an inspection is bound to discover faults. Home inspectors point out conditions that need to be repaired and possible safety issues as they relate to the home. They will not comment on cosmetic items unless they impair the integrity of the home. They also do not conduct destructive testing.
3. Home inspection reports consist only of the basics.
In an average inspection, a home inspector looks at hundreds of items. The home inspection should include the exterior, the steps, porches, decks, chimneys, roof, windows, and doors of the home. Interior inspection will include attics, electrical components, plumbing, central heating/air conditioning, basement/crawlspaces, and garages.
They check on the condition of items such as faucets for leaks and garage doors for proper shutting. The final written report should be concise and easy to understand. Termite damage may be noted and you may be recommended to purchase a pest inspection.
4. Home inspectors work for the party that is paying the inspection fee.
The NAHI Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics plainly say that members act as an impartial third party to the real estate transaction and “will discharge the Inspector’s duties with integrity and fidelity to the client.” A reputable home inspector will not conduct a home inspection or prepare a home inspection report if his or her fee is determined by untruthful conclusions.
The inspector should protect the client’s confidentiality and keep all report findings secret, unless required by law. You may choose whether or not to share the report with others. If you’re a seller, you don’t have to tell your buyers about the report, but you must mention any problems with your home’s systems and integrity.
5. The condition of the home is not the responsibility of the inspector.
Inspectors do not examine under the floor or behind walls, so serious problems can go undetected. Inspections are not part of the sales transaction, so if an expensive problem surfaces after you buy a house, you cannot force the inspector to pay for the damage. In fact, you may have no other rights to compensation beyond the cost of the inspection.
As a buyer, you need the home inspection report to decide if the home is in a condition you can handle. You can then use the report to convince the seller that a certain repair is needed or to negotiate a price that is more affordable. You can also go to a contractor and use the report to make repair or remodel a section of the home.
When buying a home, you should not skip getting the house inspected because of the cost or because the seller put undue pressure on you. Home inspections are reasonable, they can save you money in the long run, and many lenders require them, particularly for FHA loans. Property inspections give you the information you need to make a sound buying decision.
Make sure to join us twice a week on our blog for more real estate advice and great reasons to buy a home in Albuquerque and the surrounding area. Follow us on Facebook for the latest Albuquerque real estate updates. Looking for the perfect home for sale in Albuquerque? Our easy-to-use home search tool can help you start the process. Contact us today to help you buy or sell your next home in Albuquerque.
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