Why a Home Inspection Can Save You Money

[thohome]

Buying a House: Why a Home Inspection Can Save You Money

Repairs to a home can cost thousands of dollars and environmental hazards like mold, lead paint, or formaldehyde can cause serious health problems. You want to make sure you know what you're getting before you spend thousands on a down payment and go into debt to buy a house.
The seller must disclose the major defects he or she knows about in the house, but the buyer isn't required to have inspections done to find out what the defects are. The only way to protect yourself from nasty surprises is to have your own inspections done before the deal is final. If your own agent is pushing a particular inspector, you may want to ask friends, family or neighbors for recommendations and choose one on your own. Your agent may or may not have your best interests at heart as they may be more concerned with a smooth closing than with ensuring you have all the information you need to make a wise purchase.

read more here on Your Initial Inspection

http://real-estate-law.freeadvice.co...inspection.htm

[JaredfromIndiana]

Oh yeah, I agree big time on this one. I am certainly not big time (yet), but I thought I was big time enough to not have a home inspection on my last flip. Yeah, that was a mistake. I have bought and flipped a lot of houses without inspection, but this last one burned me. Definitely have an inspection! $250 well spent! If you are buying a house you are going to live in make sure to have the seller provide a home warranty too. Only $350 out of their pocket but it will give you peace of mind...

[Lady Flipper]

Definitely agreed.

I sometimes even get two opinions, a professional inspector and a contractor. They look at things differently.

[badmomma]

Inspections are imperative. You can't see everything from
looking at the surface. I like to have the home inspected
for bugs also. Termite damage can cost thousands of dollars
to undo.

[JaredfromIndiana]

Originally Posted by badmomma

Inspections are imperative. You can't see everything from
looking at the surface. I like to have the home inspected
for bugs also. Termite damage can cost thousands of dollars
to undo.

Right on! Termites, plumbing leaks, electrical problems, mold issues, foundation issues, on and on and on...

[flippinout]

To me a home inspection would be imperative for all the reasons that Jared listed.

Too many times people buy a house only to find that the wiring isnt up to code, or the plumbing is in dire need of help.

Not to mention termites, carpenter ants etc.

A home inspection could be pricey, but would save a lot more money than you put into the inspection by letting you know in advance what if anything is wrong and giving you the option to back out of the deal.