What really matters at a Home Inspection?

What really matters at a home inspection ?

Buying a home?
The process can be stressful.

A home inspection is supposed to give you peace of mind, but often has the opposite effect.

You will be asked to absorb a lot of information in a very short time.

This information often includes what the inspector says at the time of the inspection, a comprehensive and narrative written report, checklists, and photographs. All this information along with the seller's disclosure and what you notice during your own walk through can make the whole experience seem very overwhelming.

What should you do?
First and foremost, relax.
The majority of the inspection will be minor deficiencies, maintenance advice, life expectancies, and tell tale signs. What has happened to the home since it was constructed, both natural and man-made?
These are good to know about, certainly.

However, the real issues that matter will breakdown into these four categories:

1. Major defects. An example would be a roof that is past its useful life.
2. Minor defects. These could lead to major defects, such as a plumbing leak that is not repaired.
3. Things that may prevent your ability to insure, finance or legally occupy the home.
4. Safety concerns. This may include trip hazards and unapproved wiring.

Anything in these categories should be addressed.

Many times a serious problem can be rectified economically to protect both life and property (especially in categories 2 and 4).

The majority of sellers is honest and is generally unaware to learn of defects that were uncovered during the inspection.
Sellers are under no obligation to repair everything mentioned, whether in the report or not.
No home is perfect. Keep things in perspective.
Things that do not matter should not be a deal killer.

It is not appropriate to insist that a seller take care of deferred maintenance, conditions already disclosed by the seller, or nit-picky items.

"HELPING YOU IS WHAT I DO"

I Believe in building relationships.

I am here to meet your needs- to Serve & Protect - Your Investment.

As a Real Estate Consultant I am dedicated to the Real Estate Investor & Home Owner- who is willing to work for one of the most precious things in the World - Freedom.

Peter Tarshis

HomeLife Realty One
I Love Toronto
416-922-5533 office/pager
416-922-5808 fax
416-705-1181 cell