When you are considering a home you would like to purchase, it is a good idea to have a professional home inspection prior to the closing. Home inspections, by design, are created to give homebuyers the peace of mind and confidence to proceed with the sale, knowing that nothing is wrong with their home.
Why Do I Need a Home Inspection When Buying a House in Missouri?
While some fresh paint and new shutters can add tons of curb appeal, it is important to know things about your potential new home that may not be so obvious during your short viewing with the Realtor. Since home repairs are quite costly, especially when they are extensive, it is always a good idea to hire a qualified home inspector to take a look at the property…beyond the cosmetic aspects. This will let you know upfront of any huge red flags that may be a concern or existing issues that need to be addressed before the purchase. Hiring an inspector now may even save you from buying a “lemon” of a house that will continue to be a seemingly endless money pit in the future.
Savvy home buyers know that a home inspector can identify any existing issues and give you a better idea of the maintenance your home will require. Here is what you can expect on the day of home inspection when purchasing a home in Missouri.
The home inspection can be a lengthy (which typically means thorough) process that can take two to four hours.
It is a good idea for buyers to be present at the inspection so they can ask any questions and pay attention to important details the inspector may reveal.
What Do Missouri Home Inspectors Look For?
While the home inspector will look at the entire home, they will give more attention to large ticket items that could be costly, such as the roof and HVAC system. Here are the main parts of the home the real estate home inspector will look at on the day of home inspection.
Day of Home Inspection Checklist
- HVAC System
- Interior plumbing and electrical systems
- Roof
- Attic – Including Visible Insulation
- Walls
- Ceilings
- Floors
- Windows and Doors
- Foundation
- Basement
- Structural Components
After the Home Inspection
On the day of home inspection, the inspector will gather his findings and prepare a report indicating his assessment of the property. If the home inspection report indicates only a few minor issues, the sale of the home should proceed as planned.
However, if the home inspector found that the property has some major problems, this should be further discussed with your inspector, Realtor, and mortgage officer for assistance on the best way to proceed.
Often, buyers will negotiate repairs by giving an itemized list of minor issues that need to be addressed. Once these repairs are completed and inspected to ensure you are pleased, it’s back to business on closing the sale.
More serious issues that were found on inspection day will need to be addressed on an individual basis. Uncovering problems such as structural issues or major plumbing concerns may cause you to re-think the sale…or at least haggle on the price.
Since typical home inspectors are not usually specialists in all aspects of home construction, an industry professional who is dedicated to that type of work should also assess the problems.
Once the exact problems and costs have been determined, you can either move on with your search for the perfect property or negotiate with the seller. Often, buyers will request the repairs as a condition of purchasing the home. Or…the seller may accept a lower price if you agree to make the repairs.
What to Remember!
It’s important not to focus on the minor issues found on the day of home inspection. No home is perfect, and you will rarely see a property with no issues at all. Relax and look at some of the minor repairs as a chance to make the home your own! Also, remember that it is perfectly acceptable to walk away from a home that requires too many repairs or when the seller refuses to negotiate the price.
Contact Mid-America Mortgage for Your Missouri Home Purchase
Mid-America Mortgage is here to help you own the home of your dreams. Our team is friendly, knowledgeable, and can make your mortgage approval stress free. Contact Mid-America Mortgage today to realize your dream as a homeowner!
