Home Buying

Inspecting the Home

A home’s condition is important. It is good to consult with local experts on the property and situational circumstances, from weather and moister to structural integrity. The condition of a home is a significant consid­eration in most real estate transactions. As a matter of fact, 90% of the complaints voiced by buyers against home sel­lers, address the condition of the property. In order to evaluate the home’s value, you should thoroughly consider its condition. Our goal is to describe some common condition concerns and help you put them into the proper perspective.

Some Advice to the Buyers. Buyers should always remember not to expect new when they are buying used. Keep in mind, every home usually has some sign of wear or at least the possibility of condition problems. Your expectations should be proportionate with the complete picture, evaluating all aspects of the home. This total evalu­ation will help to keep condition issues in their proper perspective. Most condition concerns that are understood and properly valued will generally not prevent buyers from purchasing a home and being happy with it. Click here to learn the details.

 

Let’s look at some specific questions sent in by DearMonty readers from across the country. Read more Q&A articles about the “Inspecting the Home” stage of the Home Buying process:

  1. Is it wise to waive a home inspection?

    Dear Monty: Is it wise to waive a home inspection? We recently bought a home, and we agreed to waive a home inspection. There were multiple offers on the house. Our agent suggested a competitive advantage by waiving the home inspection. Yesterday, a heating contractor told us we should replace the twenty-year-old furnace. Since moving […]

  2. You have written numerous articles over time about different problems with home inspections. What is your current opinion of home inspections? 

      Reader Question: You have written numerous articles over time about the problems with home inspections. We are near our savings goal and preparing to buy a home. What is your current opinion of home inspections?  Monty’s Answer: Home inspection laws came into existence because home sellers were unaware of the defects, hid, or made […]

  3. Who should have caught this condition problem?

      Reader Question: I bought a house a year ago with some permitted room additions. However, the flipper replaced the electrical box from 100 amp to 200 amp non-permitted. This work was not disclosed to me or caught in the homeowner’s inspection. So now, I have been experiencing electrical issues at my house. The utility […]

  4. What are the main questions you get about home inspectors?

    Reader Question: Here is a home inspector’s question. Customers tell me I am a good inspector. I always want to improve my methods when I can. Your answer to this question may help focus my efforts. What are the main questions you get from consumers about home inspectors? Monty’s Answer: Incorporating the continuous improvement philosophy into […]

  5. I am a home inspector. An agent I work with is always giving me a hassle to "ease up." I don't want to lose him. How do I handle him?

    Reader Question: I am a home inspector. ​I work with an agent from whom I always get agent pressure to “take it easy.” I refuse to lower my standards, but I’m concerned about him finding a replacement. How would you suggest I approach ​t​his? ​Monty’s Answer: The situation you describe may be a very delicate […]

  6. How do we go about hiring a home inspector?

      Reader Question: We will looking to buy a home in the near future. When thinking about hiring a home inspector, how do we pick a quality one? Randy and Mary Ann G. Monty’s Answer: Now is a good time to be thinking about hiring a home inspector. Because a home purchase or sale is likely your […]