Whether it's your first purchase or your fifth, buying a house almost always leaves you with a sense of giddiness and extreme excitement. There is a feeling of accomplishment and pride that tends to wash over you when you fall in love with a property, place a bid and beat out the other contenders for the approval. If you have all of your ducks in a row the process seems to take on a life of its own, with you simply signing the documents and lining up your move. However, don't let yourself be swept down the stream. Getting a private home inspection is one of the best things you can do if you want to protect your interests at all costs.
Find Major Problems Before They Become Your Own
If you plan to finance a mortgage your lender will most likely require a home inspection. Before any funds can be dispersed to the seller a certified home inspector has to attest to the soundness of the house. This is an important part of the journey, but you shouldn't let the report findings lull you into a false sense of security. Underlying, more insidious issues can be so carefully tucked away that you don't realize they exist until you've already taken ownership of the property.
Go beyond the general inspection and hire a professional to do a private evaluation as well. Private inspectors usually have more in-depth knowledge and skill, allowing them to potentially pick up on problems that would otherwise be overlooked. If the inspector does find out that the house has faulty wiring or that the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system is on its last legs, you'll be very happy that you went the extra mile!
Private Inspections Give You Bargaining Chips
When you find a house that you truly believe is "The One," you hate to think that there is something wrong with it. You don't get that strong sense of destiny about just any old house and you want to possess the place so badly that you fear learning about any mishaps.
Keep in mind that a structural or systemic problem doesn't have to mean that you can't buy the house. If the issue isn't too drastic you can actually use the newfound information to your advantage by negotiating a lower purchase price based on the fact that you will need money for repairs.
Getting a private home inspection lets you walk into the deal with your eyes wide open. Schedule a private inspection for your next home so you can buy with confidence.
