The Inspection

In general, buyers are entitled to conduct a series of inspections on the property that they are about to purchase.  After your offer has been accepted, Brian Howell as your HomeSmart agent will assist you in hiring a professional home inspector to conduct an inspection of the property.  At HomeSmart, we recommend that you choose a home inspector that is certified by a trade association and offers Liability and Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance.

Some of the items typically investigated during an inspection: appliances, plumbing, A/C, heating, electrical, structure, foundation, roof, and attic. If any of the following are areas of concern, you can ask your inspector to address concerns regarding indoor air quality, expansive soil conditions, previous fire or flood, pests and mold. If you are obtaining a loan, your Lender may require specific inspections, such as an inspection to certify that the home is free of wood-destroying organisms.

It is around this time that you can expect to be provided with a Seller's Property Disclosure Statement (SPDS) from the Seller, which contains all information material to the sale of the property. Brian will ask you to read through it carefully and ask any questions your might have during your inspection period.

Additional inspections that you may want to consider: a survey to determine where property lines are located; and a claims report, which gives Buyers the past insurance claim history on the property (a factor which can affect the cost of you homeowner’s insurance).

In addition to formal inspections, Buyers should consider other methods of obtaining information about the property. For example, talk to the neighbors and drive around the neighborhood during different times of day. In touring the neighborhood, consider things such as proximity to freeways, airports, and schools.

Brian can also provide you with resources for obtaining information on crime statistics, city planning and zoning, school information, and environmental concerns which may affect your decision to purchase.

Remember...it's a Smart Move with HomeSmart!