A home inspection is an important and critical part of purchasing a home. Some buyers choose to forgo this step as it is not a legal requirement, but in most cases a home inspection is in the best interest of the buyer. Here are some good tips for setting up your home inspection appointment to make the best use of your and the inspector’s time and get to the next step in purchasing your new home.
Before You Make The Appointment Call, There Are Some Things You Will Want To Have Ready:
Loan Approval– with the competitive nature of today’s housing market many buyers will start shopping for homes before they know if they will even be approved for a loan on the home. It is not uncommon for buyers to schedule an inspection and cancel the appointment at last minute because they found out they can’t get financing. This puts the inspector in a tough place as they held the spot they could have given to another buyer approved and ready to go.
Mutual Acceptance- This means that you have made an offer on the home and the home seller has accepted that offer putting you into contract on the home. A growing trend among buyers in this competitive market is to call for inspection before an offer is even made on a home asking for “pre-inspection” or “verbal inspections.” These terms are not actual things. Inspectors offer full home inspections regardless of when you schedule them. It is in your best interest and your wallet’s to wait until you find a home you love and have put on offer on.
Important Info About the Home to Tell Your Inspector Before They Arrive- Your inspector will need to know a few facts about the home like the size, year built, structure type, outbuildings, if it is occupied, etc. They will also need the address and clear directions if the home is off the beaten path. You don’t want the inspector lost and taking an extra hour just to arrive at the appointment.
Related: 5 Home Inspection Mistakes to Avoid
Things To Make Sure Of For The Day of the Inspection:
Will the Utilities be on?- There are many homes on short sale or that are banked owned in today’s market. Some of these homes have the utilities shut off. Inspectors will not turn on utilities because of liability issues and inspecting a home with no power or water increases the chances of an unseen problem. If your realtor can make arrangements to get the utilities turned on during the appointment this will be very helpful.
Does the Seller Know? Usually the real estate agent will make sure to inform the seller of an inspection appointment. If the home is unoccupied it is just good to communicate this information. If the seller is currently living in the home you will want to give them plenty of notice in hopes they can make arrangements to be out of the home during inspection.
One Last Tip:
Be Flexible- Most homeowners understandably will want to schedule an inspection during a time that works best for them. This is usually during the evening or on weekends for most home buyers. If you are hoping to not be put on a wait list or scheduled further out than you like, be flexible. Buyers who are able to be flexible will have greater success at getting an appointment in a timely manner.
More Valuable Inspection Tips