A professional home inspection can not only provide a great education about
the home's systems, but also be a crucial tool in negotiating the most
equitable price on the home, according to HouseMaster, one of the first and
largest home inspection franchisors in North America."Our experience and research shows that approximately 40% of resale homes
have at least one defect that can cost a home buyer a minimum of $500 to
repair," said Kathleen Kuhn, President of HouseMaster."A home inspection by
a professional and qualified home inspector is an excellent tool to
encourage home sellers to make repairs or make further price adjustments as
a result of conditions noted in the inspection report."According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), in 2009, a record
47% of homes sold were purchased by first-time buyers. Tax credit incentives
from the federal government of up to $8,000 and historically low mortgage
rates continue to attract first-time buyers to the market. A professional
home inspection not only educates buyers on the condition of the home but
can minimize costly surprises down the road. HouseMaster provides the
following tips to ensure that first-time buyers make an educated decision
when purchasing a home and get the best price possible.1. Inspect the Inspector. Only hire a home inspector with an excellent
reputation and credentials. Ask how long the company has been in business,
ask about specific formal training and ongoing education the inspector has
and verify the inspector carries professional liability insurance also known
as "Errors & Omissions" (E&O). If the company doesn't carry this insurance,
it could indicate a poor track record or lack of experience.2. Ask for a sample of a report. The credentials of the inspection company
and the quality of the final inspection report will be important. A poorly
prepared report without pictures or clear, concise details addressing all
the various systems and accessible elements of the home is less likely to be
taken seriously by a home seller.3. Inspect ancillary systems. It's hard for first-time home buyers to know
what they need, so be sure to ask what additional services the company
offers. If the home you are considering has a septic system for example, a
professional home inspection company may offer septic system inspections or
can coordinate that service for you. Generally, the company will offer you a
multiple services discount as well as the added convenience of only having
to attend one inspection appointment. Other common services offered by home
inspectors are termite inspections, mold screening, water testing and radon
testing.4. Go along on the inspection. Ask the inspection company if they encourage
buyers to tag along on the inspection. If the inspector discourages you from
going along and asking questions, find another inspector. A home inspection
is not simply a laundry list of what is wrong with the home. In addition to
documenting issues and needed repairs that may exist, a professional home
inspector will also show the new buyer how to operate the various systems in
the home and provide tips on improving energy efficiency and maintaining the
home in general. And being present during the inspection will make the final
written report that much more meaningful.For more information, visit www.housemaster.com.
the home's systems, but also be a crucial tool in negotiating the most
equitable price on the home, according to HouseMaster, one of the first and
largest home inspection franchisors in North America."Our experience and research shows that approximately 40% of resale homes
have at least one defect that can cost a home buyer a minimum of $500 to
repair," said Kathleen Kuhn, President of HouseMaster."A home inspection by
a professional and qualified home inspector is an excellent tool to
encourage home sellers to make repairs or make further price adjustments as
a result of conditions noted in the inspection report."According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), in 2009, a record
47% of homes sold were purchased by first-time buyers. Tax credit incentives
from the federal government of up to $8,000 and historically low mortgage
rates continue to attract first-time buyers to the market. A professional
home inspection not only educates buyers on the condition of the home but
can minimize costly surprises down the road. HouseMaster provides the
following tips to ensure that first-time buyers make an educated decision
when purchasing a home and get the best price possible.1. Inspect the Inspector. Only hire a home inspector with an excellent
reputation and credentials. Ask how long the company has been in business,
ask about specific formal training and ongoing education the inspector has
and verify the inspector carries professional liability insurance also known
as "Errors & Omissions" (E&O). If the company doesn't carry this insurance,
it could indicate a poor track record or lack of experience.2. Ask for a sample of a report. The credentials of the inspection company
and the quality of the final inspection report will be important. A poorly
prepared report without pictures or clear, concise details addressing all
the various systems and accessible elements of the home is less likely to be
taken seriously by a home seller.3. Inspect ancillary systems. It's hard for first-time home buyers to know
what they need, so be sure to ask what additional services the company
offers. If the home you are considering has a septic system for example, a
professional home inspection company may offer septic system inspections or
can coordinate that service for you. Generally, the company will offer you a
multiple services discount as well as the added convenience of only having
to attend one inspection appointment. Other common services offered by home
inspectors are termite inspections, mold screening, water testing and radon
testing.4. Go along on the inspection. Ask the inspection company if they encourage
buyers to tag along on the inspection. If the inspector discourages you from
going along and asking questions, find another inspector. A home inspection
is not simply a laundry list of what is wrong with the home. In addition to
documenting issues and needed repairs that may exist, a professional home
inspector will also show the new buyer how to operate the various systems in
the home and provide tips on improving energy efficiency and maintaining the
home in general. And being present during the inspection will make the final
written report that much more meaningful.For more information, visit www.housemaster.com.
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