Getting your home inspection report might be the scariest part of the real estate transaction.
Deep breath – remember that no house is perfect, and what you’re feeling is totally normal.
Here are a few tips and reminders as you read your home inspection report.
Read the whole home inspection report
Reading the whole report maximizes what you paid for. It gives you the whole picture and leaves no surprises.
If you can’t read the full report, at least ensure you’re carefully reading the entire summary.
Remember—it’s your responsibility as a homeowner to learn about your future home. Put the time in to learn about the major systems and components.
Focus on the major items
It will be tempting to ask for the medium and minor items on the report, but this is usually a fool’s errand.
Most markets are seller’s markets, meaning that few homes are for sale, so you won’t get the seller to pay much.
Focus on the most important health and safety items and negotiate for those.
Research & ask opinions
Not knowing what X repair or Y maintenance will cost is normal.
Utilize your Realtor and Dr. Google to help you learn about the typical cost and effort involved in common home inspection findings. Other services like Handyman Connection, HomeStars and Bark allow you to request multiple quotes before hiring a reputable professional.
You can do this
Owning a home is a long-term game.
Try to resist the feeling that you must fix everything before moving in.
Most of the items on a home inspection report you can live with. You’ll gradually upgrade over time and prioritize.
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