Before you buy a house, you need a home inspection. This is a protection mechanism for you and the seller, to make sure that everyone is aware of the state of the home before you make it your own. A beautiful house that seems like your dream home could be a mess of potential problems and in need of major repair. To avoid living in a “Money Pit,” make sure you interview your home inspector. You need to know what kind of professional is assessing your potential real estate purchase, and you’ll want to ask him or her questions to help you learn more about your new house.
What to ask your home inspector
If you’ve never purchased property before, a home inspection can seem daunting and unfamiliar. Fortunately, you can interview your home inspector before hiring them to make sure they are credible, qualified, and the kind of person you would trust to provide you with accurate information about your property. When you first meet a potential home inspector, ask him or her what about their experience, background, and what types of houses they have inspected. Ask them what they’ve found – and if you want a good story, ask them what the craziest thing they’ve ever seen on an inspection was. They’re bound to have a doozy.
You can also ask them the following questions:
- What professional organizations or industry groups are you a member of?
- Have you had experience inspecting older homes? New construction?
- When was the last time you took a continuing education course?
- Tell me what you know about a house like this being up to code. What has changed in the housing codes in the past few years?
- If you don’t have much experience, what kind of training do you have? Can you provide references that can speak to your skillset?
- How long does the process take, and how much will it cost me?
- What will you inspect, and how will I see and interpret your report? Do you provide transparent reporting?
- May I accompany you on the inspection?
- Can I get a report within 24 hours?
Help from a skilled Santa Clarita real estate agent
The process of buying a home can be complicated, as there are many things to do and much to understand. If you need help with this process in the greater Santa Clarita area, call Brian Ends at (661) 964-1760 or contact him online. Brian is here to help you find the home inspector that you need.
