Home Inspections: Know your purchase is worth the investment!
 | Why should I get a Home Inspection?Home inspections play a key role in successful real estate transactions. As soon as an offer is made on a home, 1.You may be asked to obtain a home inspection, 2.You may consider having a home inspection performed voluntarily, or 3.Your lender may require a home inspection to be completed. |
What many buyers fail to realize is that buying a home can be an emotional decision, which makes it difficult to remain objective if you can already see yourself living in a home, or if you've formed an emotional attachment to the property. Though home inspections require an initial investment, obtaining a home inspection could potentially save you thousands of dollars in costly repairs in the future. Were building codes met when my home was constructed? Is everything functioning correctly? Is my fireplace vented properly? The next time it storms, is my roof going to leak? Ensure you know the answers to these questions through an objective home inspection!
Regulations regarding home inspections will vary by state. In most cases a home inspection is required in order to obtain a mortgage. Even if you are not obtaining a mortgage and you are buying your property outright, obtaining a home inspection can help you protect the valuable investment you are making.
Are you searching for a reputable Myrtle Beach Home Inspector? Call (843) 457-3994 or contact us, we can provide you with several resources!
What exactly is a Home Inspection?
A home inspection determines the condition of a property you are planning to purchase. Note: A home inspection is not the same as an appraisal of the value of the home. The purpose of a home inspection is to provide valuable information about the physical and structural condition of a property. Knowing this information enables buyers and sellers to make informed decisions about proceeding with a property transaction.
The Value of a Home Inspection:
Home Buyers:The first and most important benefit of a home inspection is knowing that a property is safe to inhabit. Beyond this, buyers gain a better understanding of the condition of their future property. The home inspection should reveal immediate, necessary repairs and provide valuable information about repairs or maintenance that may be needed in the future. |  |
A home inspection can also prove/validate that a home is a quality investment to a mortgage lender and insurance company. This information allows the buyer to either accept or decline the real estate purchase.
Home Sellers:
Home sellers benefit from having a seller's inspection prior to listing a property. Though some may feel this discloses too much information about a property, it truly serves to streamline the selling process, including negotiations over price. A seller's inspection will identify any major problems needing repair in advance, making the home more attractive to potential buyers. The inspector is a critical third party who can assist in determining an appropriate asking price!
 | Is there more than one type of Home Inspection?Yes! A general home inspection looks at the structure and systems of a home. Elements the inspector will evaluate include the home's construction, the garage if applicable, exterior elements, roofing, plumbing, electrical systems, system components such as a water heater, a tankless water heater, a furnace, and all appliances. |
During this time, an inspector should be concerned with the following: moisture/drainage issues, health and safety issues, roofs that may have a short life expectancy, furnace/A/C/ HVAC malfunctions, or issues/deficiencies in the foundation.
If any of these items are believed to be a problem your home inspector will recommend further evaluation or repairs needed. A general inspection will not include items that require a specific license to address. Your real estate agent or mortgage lender can help you determine if additional inspections are needed. There are a variety of additional inspections, the main ones include: Asbestos, Radon, Methane, Radiation and Formaldehyde detection, wood-destroying organisms, termite inspections, mold, mildew and fungi detection, rodent inspections, and inspections to determine the presence of lead.
How long does a Home Inspection take, and will I need to be there?
The first question many people have is, "Do I have to be present for a home inspection?" Though it is not required, it is highly recommended for the buyer to accompany the inspector at the site of the inspection. The buyer is then able to ask questions, see what the inspector sees, and receive additional information face-to-face about the property. A standard home inspection can take anywhere between 1-3 hours depending on the age, size, and style of the structure, as well as the inspection services you are having performed on the property. |  |
A thorough home inspector should be able to assess a home's condition, provide valuable insight on property enhancement, and give recommendations about prioritizing repairs in the event they are needed. Obtaining a home inspection is beneficial to both the home buyer and the seller. Sellers will be able to determine whether or not they wish to make property repairs or adjust their sales price accordingly, and buyers have the opportunity to decide whether or not they will purchase the property as is, or pass on the transaction entirely.
Useful Resources:
U.S. Dept of Housing and Urban Development
For additional resources or information about obtaining a Myrtle Beach Home Inspection, call (843) 457-3994 or contact us today!
