TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - Spring used reign supreme as THE time to buy or sell a home. But winter sales have been heating up lately and have nearly caught up to the better weather season. If you’re planning to get in on this trend, you’ll need a reliable home inspector. In today’s Angie’s List report, we find there’s more to this hire than you might think.
Angie cautions against relying solely on your realtor’s recommended choice of inspector. Your inspector should be bonded, insured and accredited by a professional association and have positive consumer reviews about his or her performance record.
Home inspectors check the condition of the home’s foundation, roof, attic, basement, heating and air conditioning system, plumbing, electrical and major appliances. You should get a thorough report that highlights areas of concern. Use it to decide on whether to pass on the house or to negotiate from a position of strength on price or repairs to be done before you agree to buy.
If weather does interfere, the inspector will come back, usually for a nominal fee, to finish the job. Many older homes have lead, asbestos or other common household dangers and your inspector should point them out. Even newly built homes need an inspection because they may not be built well, Angie says.
For an extra charge, you can have your inspector check water quality, radon and pest damage. Angie says the inspection can be the difference between dream home or money pit, so take the time to hire right and learn as much as you can from your inspector.
