Do I Need a Home Inspection?

Home Inspector checking out the kitchen fawcet

Buyers frequently ask us if they really need a home inspection, and every single one of our Guilderland real estate agents will tell you the same thing, YES! Even if “the house is only a few years old” or you “know the sellers” or “the appraiser didn’t mention any problems”, we still highly recommend you hire a professional to perform a home inspection. Here are a few reasons why.

Benefits of a Home Inspection

Regardless of a home’s age, there could be unknown, costly problems lurking in your dream home. Problems that you, the seller, your real estate agent, even an appraiser may not see. The primary purpose of the home inspection is to ensure that you are making a sound decision. It’s like getting a second opinion before an important surgery. By having a professional home inspector take a look at your home’s structure, roofing, plumbing, heating and other systems, you’ll know with confidence that this is a smart and safe investment.

Detect Problems

A home inspection ensures you know exactly what you are getting into. If there are safety issues with radon, carbon monoxide or mold, wouldn’t you rather know that before you move your family into your new home? Likewise, a home inspection will reveal if there are illegal additions or installations that can affect your taxes, insurance and home value. Your home inspector will also look for structural issues, including cracked walls, ceilings and foundations.

Detecting problems is the most important reason for a home inspection. Because if you are not comfortable with the findings, this is usually your one last opportunity to back out of the offer to buy. When these deal-breakers are discovered it can be devastating for buyers who have their heart set on a home, but it also a huge relief to know a potential disaster was averted.

Save Money

With all the other closing costs and expenses that come with buying a home, we absolutely understand that the last thing you feel like doing is dropping another $200-$500 on a home inspection. However, our real estate agents frequently remind buyers to consider the alternative. The minimal cash outlay now could save you thousands down the road if bad plumbing or faulty wiring is discovered after the contracts are signed.

Plan for Future Costs

Not all home inspection findings are deal-breakers, but they are almost always enlightening. Your home inspector can estimate the life expectancy of things such as roofing, air conditioning and heating, appliances, windows and plumbing. This allows you to plan and budget for replacement or upgrade expenses in the future. Home inspectors are also a valuable resource for homeowners, often suggesting tips on how to maintain your specific home, which can also save you more money in the long-term.

Negotiate a Better Deal

The home inspection report can be a valuable bargaining tool for buyers. Armed with facts about the quality and condition of the home, you may be able to negotiate a lower price. Alternatively, buyers can include clauses in the contract requiring the seller to make the necessary repairs or provide a credit. This is especially helpful if the home you are interested in is at your maximum price range. Negotiations can be complicated, so it’s best to enlist the help of your real estate agent to understand what requests can and should be made to negotiate a better deal.

Looking for a Home Inspector in Guilderland, Latham or the Surrounding Albany Area?

Our Guilderland real estate agents frequently work with home inspectors in the area and can vouch for their professionalism. Check out our Preferred Vendors list for dozens of real estate professionals, including contact information for several reputable home inspectors.

If you’d like more information about the home inspection process, or house hunting and home buying, in general, call (518) 861-7030 to speak directly with one of our knowledgeable real estate agents.