Many real estate deals are dependent on a home inspection, so it’s understandable that there can be a lot of nerves surrounding an inspection, especially for the potential buyer. Many of your clients may not know exactly what a home inspection entails or what to expect. Here are some top myths that may help them adjust their expectations:

6 HOME INSPECTION myths

1.   Having a license ensures a good home inspection. NOT TRUE! Not all states require licenses to be a home inspector and many of the standards vary widely. Make sure to verify other components of an inspector’s credentials, including past clients, years of experience and customer reviews.

 

2.  You can use a home inspection to identify problems that might be used as a tool to renegotiate the purchase price. NOT TRUE!  This is not the primary objective of a home inspection. The inspector’s professional service is one of unbiased, third-party education. They want to arm buyers and sellers with a good understanding of the physical condition of the home so they can make the best decision for themselves at that time.

3.  A home inspection tells you what your home is worth. NOT TRUE! An appraisal is intended to do this. An inspection also does not make any recommendations about whether or not to buy or sell the home—that is solely up to the client.

4.  All home inspection certifications and professional education are created equal. NOT TRUE! Some programs even offer certification online, without the requirement This article was provided by Pillar To Post home inspectors. For more information, go to pillartopost.com. BY THE NUMBERS It is recommended that a home be inspected every 10years, regardless of whether a sale is taking place. Source: The American Society of Home Inspectors to ever step foot inside a house and produce a real-time inspection. The best certification offers both in-class and hands-on training, as well as examination requirements. When choosing your home inspector, you want your clients to verify the reputation of the certificating organization.

5.  Home inspections are not needed for newly built homes or condos. NOT TRUE! Newly built homes or condos are just as much in need of an inspection as an older home. No home is perfectly built, and it’s best to have an inspector pinpoint potential issues or future repairs. Most inspectors can also give inspections during each construction “phase” of the property at various stages of development.

6.  Home inspections are solely used on the buyer’s side. NOT TRUE! Although most inspections are performed for potential buyers, there are many advantages to a pre-listing inspection for sellers. These include knowing about major issues before the house goes up for sale, increased negotiating power and garnering the best sale price. The American Society of Home Inspectors also recommends that a home be inspected every 10 years, regardless of whether a sale is taking place.

For additional information on obtaining a home inspection, call our office at 301-870-1717.