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5 of the Most Important Home Inspection Tips That You Need to Know

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Buying a home is an expensive undertaking. Considering all the money that goes into the purchase, you simply cannot afford to end up with a home that isn’t up to scratch in every possible way. When shopping for Central, NJ homes for sale, one of the ways that you can be sure to get your money’s worth is to have the property inspected before signing on the dotted line and putting your money down. Yes, home inspection may be an added expense, but it is an expenditure that should be treated as a necessity rather than a luxury.

Here are five home inspection tips for buyers who are serious about their property purchase plans.

Put it in Writing

Make sure you write it into your contract that your purchase of the home is contingent on having the house inspected. You and the seller should then sign off on this agreement before closing transactions can take place. Work with your agent to get this particular clause into your contract to ensure your interests are protected.

Don’t be Cheap

The phrase “you get what you pay for” often applies to home inspections, and you have to be prepared to pay top dollar to get the most experienced, most trustworthy inspectors in the business. Your agent will likely have some great recommendations — trust their judgment to choose an inspector to work with, or ask around and make the selection yourself. When choosing a home inspector, ask about their inspection process, verify their credentials, and read their reviews online. Don’t forget to confirm that they carry the proper insurance coverage as well.

Be Present During the Inspection

Once the home inspection is set, be there when it happens. Bear in mind that the inspection process takes time to complete, so make sure to clear your schedule. By being there, you will get to see any issues first hand, and can discuss directly with the inspector whether or not there are any problems that can potentially be deal breakers. You can also better ensure that the inspector does the job thoroughly, and doesn’t rush through the process just to get it over with.

Go Over the Report With Your Agent

Inspection reports can be as long as 20 pages for small homes and 100 pages for larger homes. The report can contain a number of terms and definitions that a layman may find difficult to understand. When you review your report, do so in the presence of your agent. This way, you ensure that you don’t overlook anything important. You’ll also know the right action to take for any issue you may come across.

Use the Results as Leverage During Negotiations

A home inspection is not necessarily a pass-or-fail test. What an inspection report often is is an effective tool for negotiations. For every flaw that’s been identified in the home, you’ll have two choices: ask the owner to repair it, or take on the task yourself. Usually, buyers who are willing to accept responsibility for the repairs can get the home’s seller to shave more than a few dollars off the purchase price. Have your agent negotiate for you, and be patient, as negotiations often involve a lot of back and forth.

It’s in your best interest to work with a top real estate agent when you shop for homes for sale in Marlboro NJ. Professional agent Colleen Meyler can help boost your chances of buying the right home for you — one that checks all the right boxes. Contact her at 732.995.5102 or email her at  ColleenMeyler(at)gmail(dotted)com  today.

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