If you’re a first-time home buyer in Passaic County, NJ, know that the home inspection is not mandatory but a necessary step to take if you want to be ensured that the property you intend to purchase is worth the hefty investment.
Find out below why it matters to get a home inspection done before you finalize the purchase.
It’s more than a simple house viewing
A home inspection involves more than just walking around the house and looking for chipped paint or missing tiles. An inspection is done by a licensed professional and entails an in-depth scrutiny and evaluation of structures inside and outside the home. The inspector assesses both the structural and functional integrity of the house and looks for any signs of damage. Everything will be checked, including the roof, HVAC system, electrical wiring, plumbing, walls, floors, and even doors and windows. The inspector also takes note of any appliances that might need replacing. Depending on the size of the home, this process may take several hours and will entail professional fees.
It encourages negotiation
If a home inspector’s evaluation cites some relatively minor issues that can easily be fixed, such as leaky faucets or missing shingles on the roof, you can negotiate with the seller to either cover the repair costs or reduce the selling price of the home. It will be difficult to negotiate the amount of repairs needed if you only rely on what can be seen by the naked eye.
It ensures your safety
A home inspection can reveal all sorts of safety issues, from mold and pest infestation to radon and carbon monoxide leaks. Major structural issues are also usually hidden from view such as cracks in the foundation or outdated electrical wiring. Getting the home inspected keeps you and your family safe from potential risks and hazards the home may bring and saves you from shelling out good money for extensive repairs.
It allows you to opt out of a deal
If the home inspector assesses that a significant amount of repairs needs to be done before the house can be restored to livable conditions, you have the option to back out of the negotiations. You need to make sure though that the contract stipulates the option to back out in the event that the house requires significant repairs.
Getting a home inspected may set you back a couple hundred dollars but the importance of a home inspection outweighs the costs and can save you from potential headaches later on.
Whether you’re a first-time home buyer or looking for an investment property in Passaic County, Morris County, Essex County, Sussex County, or Bergen County, you’ll do well to rely on a trusted local Realtor to help you through the process. Let us at Frank DeZao Homes be the team to provide support and guidance so you can complete your home-buying journey minus the stress. Call us at 201.953.9376 or send your message here