| A home inspection before a purchase can save the | | | | is to try and identify visual problems like dangerous |
| buyer thousands of dollars, and can provide the seller | | | | faulty wiring, or other problems that can lead to a fire. |
| with added incentives to make the sale. The inspector | | | | Home inspections can break the deal when the |
| may find evidence of damage that the seller may | | | | damage/expense is too costly or the expected return |
| either agree to repair or provide compensation for, or | | | | on the investment is not enough to offset the cost of |
| amend the offer with these items. The seller can use | | | | the home. Insect, fire, flood, or other types of damage |
| the inspection report to show a clean bill of health for | | | | from events in the past may still be harbored in places |
| the property, or to show exactly what is wrong and | | | | like attics and basements. When the home inspectors |
| possibly offer additional monetary incentives to fix the | | | | find evidence of these problems the homebuyer can |
| problems. | | | | decide if they can be repaired or if they should walk |
| When the home inspection is performed before | | | | away from the deal. Either way, the home inspector |
| purchase it offers the buyer additional leverage to | | | | has potentially saved them thousands of dollars and |
| negotiate with the seller. Many home inspections | | | | probably months of hassle. |
| happen after there is an agreement to sell, but can still | | | | The home inspection can be viewed as a reverse |
| be used for negotiation before settlement. | | | | treasure hunt, and in some cases testing for radon or |
| During the home inspection the inspector looks for | | | | water clarity has lead to the discovery of secret |
| signs of age or wear in the foundation,a heating | | | | passages and hidden rooms. One thing is for sure. The |
| system, aroof, and/or appliances. Even if the buyer is | | | | home inspector examines the structure, components |
| already aware of the potential expense involved in | | | | and systems of the house to provide an unbiased |
| maintenance of these areas, home inspection report | | | | report of the conditions existing in the home before it is |
| can help the buyer to renegotiate the price of the | | | | purchased. This may save thousands of dollars for the |
| home. | | | | homebuyer, and will provide invaluable peace of mind. |
| Perhaps a better way to help protect the homebuyer | | | | |