With so many beautiful homes on the market today and at amazing prices, it can be easy to find the home you have always wanted. However, it is vital to not overlook the details and inspect for potential flaws. Your potential new home should be thoroughly inspected top to bottom, before you get to the closing table.

The professional home inspection should reveal most defects in the home and this will be your opportunity to revise your offer or negotiate the repairs into the deal.

Make sure that your offer includes a contingency for a home inspection. The home inspection will reveal significant defects with foundation, plumbing, electrical and damage if the home has any of these problems. The savvy home buyer will also test other features in the home that may not be a part of the inspection.  Check appliances, sprinkler systems, garage doors, and wet areas (for mold or water damage) and get a pest inspection. Your state may also require seller disclosures, in which the sellers must list any problems with the home.

Material facts are an important part of seller disclosures. A material fact can be any defect or situation that can impact the buyer’s decision to move forward on the purchase or the price and terms of the property sale. Structural defects, property taxes, fire or flood damage and a death in the home are examples of material facts.

It is easy to get caught up in the excitement of purchasing a new home, but don't be in such a hurry to close that you overlook flaws that can cause headache and extra expense down the road.

 

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