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What You Need to Know About Home Inspections

by Galand Haas

One of the most important components of the home purchase process is having the home you are wanting to buy inspected.  I am asked by many about the home inspection process.  Here is a great article on home inspections that was recently published in Realty Times.

If you're hiring someone to inspect the home you want to buy, or you're a seller trying to find out if there are any hidden problems that need fixing before you put your home on the market, here are five things you need to know:

1.   You can choose your home inspector

Your real estate professional can recommend an inspector, or you can find one on your own. Members of the National Association of Home Inspectors, Inc. (NAHI), must complete an approved home inspector training program, demonstrate experience and competence as a home inspector, complete a written exam, and adhere to the NAHI Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.

2. Home inspections are intended to point out adverse conditions, not cosmetic flaws.

You should attend the inspection and follow the inspector throughout the inspection so you can learn what's important and what's not. No house is perfect and an inspection on any home is bound to uncover faults. A home inspector will point out conditions that need repair and/or potential safety-related concerns relating to the home. They won't comment on cosmetic items if they don't impair the integrity of the home. They also do not do destructive testing.

3. Home inspection reports include only the basics.

A home inspector considers hundreds of items during an average inspection. The home inspection should include the home's exterior, steps, porches, decks, chimneys, roof, windows, and doors. Inside, they will look at attics, electrical components, plumbing, central heating and air conditioning, basement/crawlspaces, and garages.

They report on the working order of items such as faucets to see if they leak, or garage doors to see if they close properly. Inspectors may point out termite damage and suggest that you get a separate pest inspection. The final written report should be concise and easy to understand.

4. Home inspectors work for the party who is paying the fee.

The NAHI Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics clearly state that members act as an unbiased third party to the real estate transaction and "will discharge the Inspector's duties with integrity and fidelity to the client." A reputable home inspector will not conduct a home inspection or prepare a home inspection report if his or her fee is contingent on untruthful conclusions.

The inspector should maintain client confidentiality and keep all report findings private, unless required by court order. That means it is your choice whether or not to share the report with others. If you're a seller, you don't have to disclose the report to buyers, but you must disclose any failure in the systems or integrity of your home.

5. Inspectors are not responsible for the condition of the home.

Inspectors don't go behind walls or under flooring, so it's possible that a serious problem can be overlooked. Keep in mind that inspectors are not party to the sales transaction, so if you buy a home where an expensive problem surfaces after the sale, you won't be able to make the inspector liable or get the inspector to pay for the damage. In fact, you may not be entitled to any compensation beyond the cost of the inspection.

As a buyer, you need the home inspection to decide if the home is in condition that you can tolerate. You can use the report to show the seller the need for a certain repair or negotiate a better price. You can also take the report to a contractor and use it to make repairs or to remodel a section of the home.

One thing you should not do when buying a home is skip having the home inspected because of cost or undue pressure by the seller. A home inspection is reasonable, it can save you money in the long run, and it's required by many lenders, particularly for FHA loans. There's a reason why buyers should beware, and a home inspection gives you the information you need to make a sound buying decision.

Have An Awesome Week!

THIS WEEKS HOT HOME LISTING! 

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141 KOURT DR
Price: $247,500 Beds: 3 Baths: 2 Sq Ft: 1846
Beautiful energy star rated home! New laminate floors and carpet, interior sprinklers, vaulted ceiling, skylights & architectural ledges. Living room with gas fireplace, kitchen with eating bar opens to dining room with slider to back. Master suite ...



AND HERE'S YOUR MONDAY MORNING COFFEE!! 

Local Unemployment Concerns

by Galand Haas

Good Monday Morning!

There is great concern over rising unemployment and the continued economic slowdown.  This concern is certainly justified and we are all impacted by this either directly or indirectly.  From this economic situation we are seeing some things that are good.  Prices on most consumer products are dropping, there have never been so many sales and even gas prices have come down substantailly.  Home prices have lead the way in reduced costs and we are now seeing the prices of homes roll back to where they were 4-5 years ago in many cases.  Lower home values means opportunity and for those who may be in a position to purchase a home whether it is for a primary residence or for investment, there really has never been a better time to do so.  Obtaining mortgage loans can be more challenging than in the past, but rates remain extremely attractive. 

Many ask me whether we have hit bottom in this market yet.  My standard answer is that I just don't know.  My guess is that we are close.  Reality is that we will never know when we hit bottom until the market swings the other direction.  For that reason it makes sense to take action soon if you are considering a home purchase.

THIS WEEKS HOT HOME LISTING!

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547 Collier, Springfield, Oregon

Price: $600,000.00

Beds: 3

Baths: 3.5

Sq Ft: 2944

Description: This very elegant 1-level home is situated on a quite lot with a beautiful view from several patios of the mountains and valleys. It features a beauifully living room with a vaulted ceiling, fireplace ....

View this property >>



AND HERE'S YOUR MONDAY MORNING COFFEE!!

Sincerely,
Galand

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Haas Real Estate Team
Keller Williams Realty Eugene and Springfield
2645 Suzanne Way Suite 2A
Eugene OR 97408
Direct: (541) 349-2620
Fax: 541-687-6411

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