P a t r i c k J e f f r e y R e a l t yHome Inspection
No purchaser
wants to face the nightmare of unexpected repair and improvement expenses right
after closing. Yet this is exactly what you risk if you fail to have a professional
home inspection done on the property before completing the sale.
There are many things that can go wrong in a house, including extremely hazardous
items, such as a malfunctioning furnace or dangerous electrical system. Even
nonhazardous problems can require expensive repairs, so the cost of a professional
inspection - typically $200 to $500 - is a bargain.
Look for a professional with extensive (at least 3 years) experience reviewing
residential property, and schedule the inspection several weeks in advance of
the closing. This allows time to negotiate with the seller about any problems
that may be found. Don't hesitate to take advantage of the inspector's experience
by asking questions.
The seller is typically responsible for correcting any problems uncovered by
the inspection. If the work cannot be completed by the closing, the parties
may agree to a discount in the price to cover the repair cost.
