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What Really Matters
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 short
time. This often includes a written report, checklist, photographs, environmental reports and what the inspector himself says
during the inspection. All this combined with the seller's disclosure and what you notice yourself makes the experience
even more overwhelming. What should you do?
Relax. Most of your inspection will be maintenance recommendations,
life expectancies and minor imperfections. These are nice to know about. However, the issues that really matter will
fall into four categories:
- Major defects. An example of this would be a structural failure.
- Things that lead to major defects. A small roof-flashing leak, for example.
- Things that may hinder your ability to finance, legally occupy or insure the home.
- Safety hazards, such as an exposed, live buss bar at the electric panel.
Anything in these categories should be addressed. Often a serious problem can be corrected inexpensively to protect
both life and property (especially in categories 2 and 4).
Most sellers are honest and are often surprised to learn
of defects uncovered during an inspection. Realize that sellers are under no obligation to repair everything mentioned
in the report. No home is perfect. Keep things in perspective. Do not kill your deal over things that do not matter. It is
inappropriate to demand that a seller address deferred maintenance, conditions already listed on the seller's disclosure
or nit-picky items.
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