Have you ever wondered what key qualities, skills, and certifications you should be vetting when selecting a home inspector? Here are some tips and information on differentiating red and green flags. Is the inspector currently and properly certified? Ask for proof of certification. Ask questions such as if they have completed any recent continuing education.
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Asking questions is always a plus when getting into business with someone new! How long have they been a home inspector? What amount of relevant experience do they have? What types of inspections do they perform? Do they have skills in other relevant trades? Any advanced technology they use during the inspection? Gauging their responsiveness is also a great way to know if you’re making the right decision. It never hurts to ask; the more information you have, the better!
Another area to focus on is the home inspection process and report. How long does the inspection take, and can I be present? How long does the turnaround on your inspection report typically take, and do you have a sample report I can review? Don’t forget to ask about the home inspection cost! Total cost and any specialized inspections for radon, termite, mold, or sewer scope inspections are an additional fee. You should know what you’re getting up front!
There are business qualities you can look out for right away – before even initiating contact. Does the company have positive reviews? Do they have a legitimate website with up-to-date information, sample reports, and other vital facts about the company? How relevant are their social media and search engine results? Little to no web presence can be a significant red flag.
Some other ways of finding information besides internet searches and social media are methods like word of mouth (first-hand recommendations go a long way!), asking real estate agents for referrals, as well as investors.
It’s pertinent to take the appropriate steps when selecting a home inspector. Research is key, and the options for finding out information are endless!
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When choosing a home inspector, it’s essential to consider their qualifications, experience, reputation, and the scope of their inspections. Look for licensed, certified inspectors with a strong track record of thorough and unbiased assessments. Eagle Inspections is a reputable choice due to its experienced team of inspectors in Philadelphia who adhere to rigorous industry standards and provide comprehensive evaluations, helping homebuyers confidently make informed decisions.
Attending the inspection is not mandatory for a home buyer in the Philadelphia area, but is highly encouraged. Home buyers are encouraged to attend the home inspection because buying a home is the biggest investment for most people in their lifetimes. As a buyer, you want to know exactly what you are purchasing and you want to know as much about the house as possible. Eagle Inspections provides an educational experience during the home inspection. You will learn about the home’s condition, how things work, and how to maintain the home. Attending the home inspection helps to make the buyer aware of costs and repairs required immediately and over time as well.
A home inspection can take anywhere from 1 to 4 hours on average, this gives the home buyer a chance to spend time at the home. This is likely the most time the home buyer will get to spend in the home before it’s officially their home! Don’t skip it.
In conclusion, while you don’t need to be present during a home inspection in Philly, it’s highly recommended. Being present during the inspection will give you a better understanding of the condition of the property, and allow you to ask the inspector any questions you may have. Additionally, being there for the inspection can help you avoid any surprises that may come up later on, and give you peace of mind knowing that you’ve thoroughly examined the property before making a purchase.
However, if you’re unable to attend the inspection, it’s important to find a reputable home inspector in Philadephia, PA that you trust and ensure that you receive a thorough report. Make sure to review the report carefully, ask any questions you may have, and address any issues before finalizing the sale.
Overall, while you don’t need to be present, it can be a valuable experience that provides you with important information about the property you’re considering purchasing.
At Eagle Inspections, we provide a thorough and detailed inspection report with pictures and recommendations. Although the inspection report is very helpful, there’s nothing like being on-site during the inspection. You can ask unlimited questions and you can see and understand issues better in person. How often do you get a building expert in your home? Take advantage of that opportunity and utilize your home inspector. Contact us today!
Buying a new home is an intense process, especially for first-time buyers. It’s a process filled with emotion – excitement, stress, anxiety – all of it. Buying a house is expensive. For most people, it’s the single largest purchase they will ever make. And buying a home is also a long-term commitment with financial implications that can last for years.
Savvy buyers know that good, reliable information takes a lot of the stress and anxiety out of the process. Talking to your friends and family won’t help, but talking to experts and gathering data about each step adds info and logic and decreases stress and emotion to make a level-headed decision. Here are a few things you can do to make a well-informed home-buying decision:
How can you find the right house for you and your family? How much should you pay for the home? What is the neighborhood like? Are the schools good? What issues can you use to improve your position in the negotiations? A realtor can answer all these questions and more.
Your realtor helps you have confidence in the price and the process; your home inspector helps you have confidence in the home itself. Never, ever forego a home inspection on a potential purchase. The home inspector’s job is to provide an objective, third-party home assessment. Their emphasis is on finding safety issues and identifying major, potentially expensive problems. Here’s a closer look at why you should schedule an inspection before signing on the dotted line:
The following are common safety red flags found by home inspectors:
Many of these safety issues aren’t easy to spot and require the experienced eye of a trained professional home inspector to uncover.
Getting stuck with a home that requires expensive repairs is every buyer’s worst nightmare. Home inspectors look carefully for potential problems to prevent buyers from getting surprised once the sale is final. Certainly, everything on the list above qualifies as an expensive problem. Still, other things might also qualify, such as a leaky roof, pervasive water damage, plumbing issues, or even a wonky HVAC system.
What happens if your inspector finds one or more of these problems? Does that mean you automatically need to walk away from the deal? Not necessarily. Do you and your realtor need to make some decisions about the best way to proceed with the transaction? Absolutely.
What else is important about the home inspection? First, plan to be present during the actual inspection. You can talk to the inspector personally and take the opportunity to ask questions about anything you’ve noticed during your walkthroughs. Second, familiarize yourself with inspection reports and how to use them. The final report will be long and thorough. It’s not meant to be a list of things the seller needs to repair or otherwise address before finalizing the deal. It’s only intended to be an overall assessment of the home’s condition. Prior to closing, you can use the report to guide final negotiations. Once you move in, you can use the report as a guide to maintaining your home going forward. And finally, don’t hesitate to walk away from a deal if the inspection report uncovers something significant. It’s far better to start your search over again than to be saddled with a home that needs expensive, extensive repairs.
Informed buyers find the home buying process easier and less stressful than unprepared or naïve buyers. Work with a skilled realtor and insist on a home inspection to get the information you need to make a smart decision that you can feel good about.
Eagle Inspections in Philadelphia, PA, provides high-quality, reliable home inspections in the Bucks County, Montgomery County, and Delaware County areas. Call us today to discuss an inspection for your potential new home.