We have combined a list of useful home inspection tips and tricks for home buyers to help in the preparation and scheduling of a home inspector.
Never have the home inspector come in the dark or when it's raining or snowing, because you want him or her to inspect the entire property, exterior and interior spaces. Daylight makes the process easier. Also, if the home inspector balks at inspecting the basement, crawl space, attic, garage, or anything else, you may want to call his or her supervisor, or simply find a new inspector. It could be that the inspector isn't doing his or her job properly.
If you're thinking about buying a home that needs renovation, be careful to consider what other homes that have been renovated are selling for in the marketplace.
Real estate attorneys advise that the language you use in your contract should state that the "sale is contingent upon satisfactory results of the inspection or toxic substance tests." You don't want the language to say that you have the right to have the inspection and tests but not the right to back out of the deal if the house fails to pass them.
To find out about special programs for first-time home buyers, contact your local city, county, and state housing bureaus. Also, contact your local HUD office. Also, neighborhood or community action groups might also be sponsoring low-interest, low down payment programs.
Get a Sample, When deciding between home inspectors, ask to see a sample inspection report. By looking over the report, you can tell what the home inspector usually inspects and how thorough he or she will inspect the home.
