Many people believe home inspections are a waste of money and time, but they're actually essential steps in the buying process. The cost of a home inspection may seem unnecessary, but it's well worth it, considering buyers could save thousands of dollars by avoiding costly repairs to a new home. In addition, home inspectors will tell you about problems you might miss during a walk-through, including problems with wiring, whether or not there has been water damage, and more!
Today our experts cover the things first-time homebuyers need to know about this necessary process to avoid surprises that could ruin your new home experience! Plus, we'll give some tips to help first-time homebuyers find one of the best mortgage companies Texas offers to help you find financing for your dream home either through conventional loans, FHA loans, or a Texas VA mortgage.
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Yes! Mortgage lenders and your real estate agent should encourage that a home inspection is necessary before purchasing a new home. We believe a home inspection is right up there with securing a pre-approval during the homebuying process! An inspection can help you discover any potential problems with the property before you buy it. If an inspector finds significant problems, homebuyers can choose to walk away or try to negotiate a lower price with the seller.
The average cost of a home inspection will vary depending on location and the size of the home. Typically, the price of a home inspection is usually between $400-600. However, this number could increase if the home requires special inspections not included in a standard one, like checking for mold or termites.
The cost of an inspection could also vary because of the type and condition of the property and how far the inspector must travel to get there. Home inspectors with more expertise may charge more than those with less experience.
The length of home inspections can vary, but on average, a thorough inspection from a reputable inspector lasts about three or four hours. It's a good idea to schedule an inspection as soon as possible after signing a purchase contract, so it doesn't hinder the sale.
The home inspection will cover all major systems, from the roof to the foundation. The inspector will also check for potential safety hazards, such as lead paint and asbestos. Potential buyers should plan to be present during the inspection to ask questions, point out concerns, talk with the inspector, and get a better understanding of the condition of your new home.
What can buyers expect from an inspection? If you think taking a close look at everything on your own or having a contractor friend take a look is good enough, it's important to understand why an inspection conducted by an inspector is important.
Water leaks can cause significant damage to a home and can often be challenging to detect. In some cases, water leaks can lead to other hard-to-detect problems that become costly issues for you after taking ownership of the home. For example, water leaks can lead to mold growth, water damage, and even structural damage. If a seller fails to disclose plumbing issues or water damage, an inspector can save you from buying a home with underlying issues.
A roof inspection is one of the most important aspects of a home inspection, especially in Texas, where we deal with plenty of severe weather and hail. A qualified inspector will look for missing shingles, warped sheathing, signs of leaks, and other indications that may indicate a problem with the roof.
When inspecting the electrical system, a home inspector will check the circuitry, wiring, and fuse box to ensure they are all in working order and up to current codes. They will also inspect the outlets and switches to ensure that they are correctly installed and functional.
According to the American Society of Home Inspectors, a typical complete home inspection report should cover these areas:
A special inspection may be requested to look for problems with the septic system, radon poisoning, asbestos, and termite issues. However, these types of inspections often come with an additional cost.
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Don't skip the home inspection during the homebuying process, and be sure to choose the best mortgage lenders! The mortgage company you choose to work with can greatly impact your experience. Texas United Mortgage has the experience buyers need to learn about all types of loans, from a conventional loan to an FHA loan and the Texas VA loan. We can also help you find a program to help with your down payment and help you budget for monthly mortgage payments.
For a peek behind the curtain of the homebuying process and the associated costs, download a copy of our free resource, "The Definitive Home Buying Cost Worksheet."
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