I’m Moving: Do I Really Need a Home Inspection?

Moving from your previous space into a new home is a big deal; there are a lot of details to work out, boxes to pack, paperwork to sign, and last-minute happenings that tend to pop up at the most inconvenient times.   As you go through the process of moving in and out of a home, you will hear real estate lingo thrown around that you may or may not understand. These include words like “appraisal”, “escrow”, “refinance”, and “home inspection”, just to name a few.  It’s always best to ask if you don’t understand, especially when it comes to how it relates to the condition of the home you are selling or the one you are ready to purchase.  A question that you may ask is, “do I really need a home inspection?”  This article will touch on if this is necessary or not, and why.

Moving is a Busy Time-Do I Really Need a Home Inspection?

One of the things you will hear your banker or mortgage lender talk about as you go through the home buying process is a home inspection. This may sound trivial and unimportant, but it is actually a very necessary part of real estate transactions.

Your home has certain components to it that make it run smoothly and operate efficiently. These systems may be neglected for years without anyone looking at them or giving them the proper attention, which is where a professional home inspector comes in.

The American Society of Home Inspectors notes that getting an inspection is a good idea in part because it can tell you things about your potential new home that simply walking through cannot tell you. Whether these issues are major and need immediate attention or they are less severe and should be looked at in the future, a home inspection gives you a heads-up for potential issues.

What Is Involved in a Home Inspection?

A professional home inspector is trained to look for potential problems that might not otherwise be noticed. This investment can save you from costly repairs in the long run resulting from faulty systems. During the inspection, which should last a few hours, a home inspector will perform a walk-through of the home from the roof to the basement. Physical structures, electrical and mechanical systems are all reviewed under the trained eye of a pro. This is considered a checkup and not meant to include the unseen, issues, including asbestos, rodents, or mold.

Inspectors offer a professional opinion but are not necessarily qualified to talk about building codes; their job is not to let you know if you are getting a great deal on your home or if the neighborhood is a good one to move into. A home inspection is typically paid for by the buyer of the home; when the inspection is complete, you should receive a copy for review and consideration. How this process works will vary depending on your location and how your particular inspector handles the reporting.

If you are still asking, “do I really need a home inspection?”, think about this: your home is an investment, a space for you and your family to feel safe and comfortable. You want to treat your investment with care and follow wise decision-making so that you are getting the best space possible. A little bit of attention today can make for a better home tomorrow.