In the last 10 years or so, it has become the norm to obtain the opinion of a professional before committing to the purchase of a home. It is believed that nearly 95% of home buyers hire an inspector.
Professional inspectors are trained to find hidden issues that may be unobvious to the lay person. The inspector will guide the buyer through the pitfalls (some large, some small) that a home may have.
A good inspector will take the time to help a home buyer decipher the difference between significant issues and minor ones.
THE SELLER
If a seller has lived in the home for a quite a while or has never lived in the home, he or she may not be aware of the less obvious issues that can develop over time. In this case, it is wise to obtain the services of a home inspector to uncover those problems that could come up during the sale.
Problems discovered by the buyer present two problems. One is that negotiations can hold up escrow, or may lose the buyer altogether. Second is that under the time constraints of escrow, a seller doesn't have the luxury of shopping for the best price for repairs.
You can see how having your home pre-inspected before listing can pay for itself. It also is priceless in gaining the trust of the buyers. A seller with a full report from a reputable inspector shows that he has nothing to hide.
Once a buyer is fully aware of the condition of the home, he or she may choose to accept it warts and all, or may be satisfied that the home is in great condition. Some buyers choose to go back and renegotiate the contract based on the findings. Either way, the buyer is able to go forth with eyes wide open.
THE HOME OWNER
Lately, it has become popular to have a home inspected in order to be a responsible home owner. Some people live in their homes for years without knowing the condition. It is cost effective to have an inspector come periodically to give an evaluation. Problems caught early are less expensive to fix than ones gone on too long.
Also, landlords are taking an interest in safety and having their homes inspected both for ethical and legal liability sake. An inspected home can be a safer home for your tenants.
