Home inspections may be a confusing step in the home buying process. Buyer emotions are normally high and there is a large amount of information to digest. Having knowledge of how inspections work will make it less difficult to deal with when the time comes. Below are details on interpreting MA inspection results.
What Inspections Entail
Inspections provide buyers an opportunity to thoroughly review the major systems in a property, analyze more closely the home condition, and learn how everything in the home functions. Buyers should select a licensed inspector to complete this process. They commonly test the electrical, heating/cooling systems, roof, plumbing, appliances, floors, windows, doors, and structure of a property. Inspectors carry out varying approaches to these reviews, but most will check the full exterior and interior of a home and prepare a full report. Buyers should stay with the inspector during this process and see as much as they can about the property. If any problems are found, buyers should see the affected area for themselves and get a full understanding of inspector assessment. Keep in mind that although inspectors attempt to perform a full test of all areas of a home, they cannot see into walls and other invisible areas, so inspections always have many limitations.
Home Defects
When buyers see a home, they understandably only catch the most visible problems. A trained inspector will find defects that may not have been clear or disclosed and document those problems in a report. Buyers must then form an opinion about the importance of the issues. Again, attending the inspection will facilitate this.
Recommendations for Work to Perform
Often included in inspection reports are basic recommendations to home owners. These are not in fact pressing issues, but rather recommendations that will protect against future problems or enhance the benefits of a home. For example, an inspector may suggest that the exterior grading around a foundation be improved to diminish the chances of water entering a basement.
Evaluating The Report
Buyers must carefully read inspection reports and distinguish defects from suggestions. Buyers can try to negotiate problems in a property, but it is unreasonable to ask sellers to perform upgrades. Homes are typically priced based on their age and upgrades, and certain features of a home simply come with its age. If upgraded with all modern systems and features, it would likely be priced higher than its existing price. For items that are real issues, a negotiation process must be followed.
Details On Interpreting MA Inspection Results
Discuss the results with your real estate broker for guidance on how you should proceed. Remember that inspection reports cover both problems and general recommendations, and that attempting to receive upgrades is rarely successful. Inspections are not a way to renegotiate price but rather to address serious issues that were not disclosed. Discuss different options and potential outcomes with your agent. This details on interpreting MA inspection results was offered by Christopher Graves at Emery Federal Credit Union. Contact Christopher for additional assistance on home inspections and other procedures in the home buying process.
