Nobody wants to invest in a home that is rife with problems, which is one of the reasons home inspections are such a crucial part of the transaction. However, many people aren’t sure what to expect, making inspections more stressful than they need to be. Here are three important points in the home inspection process you should be ready for and how to prepare. 

The Home Inspection Process

1. The Actual Inspection

If you are having a pre-sale inspection done on a home you plan to sell, it is important to clean the space to make it easier for the inspectors to work. Replace any lightbulbs in your home that may be out to make it easier for workers to see clearly and unlock access throughout your home. 

If you have an inspection on a home you plan to buy, talk with your inspector about what they plan to check during their visit. Find out as much as you can about the property, including the year the home was built, so inspectors know to check for the presence of asbestos and modern building code violations. 

2. Report Submission

After the inspection has taken place, the inspector will write a report, which typically includes pictures of the problems they found during their visit. These reports are owned by the person who ordered the report, so don’t worry about the document becoming public and interfering with your ability to buy the home.

Home inspection reports are separated by different elements of the home, such as the HVAC system, structural components, electrical work, and so forth. Read through your report carefully so you understand the condition of the home you are considering buying. 

3. Negotiations

After you have the report in hand, you can use the information gleaned from the visit to negotiate with the buyers or sellers. While a pristine pre-sale report could help you to show your home’s value, issues discovered during an inspection of another home could be used to reduce the sale price. Talk with your real estate agent about what the report could mean for the price of the home, and don’t be afraid to ask for what you think is fair. 

Whether you are thinking about listing your existing home or investing in a new property, the team at Prior To Purchase Inspection Services, LLC in Highland Heights, KY, can help. With more than 20 years’ worth of experience and a commitment to creating comprehensive home inspections you can count on, you can sell or buy confidently with their assistance. Schedule your home inspection today by visiting their website or by calling (859) 802-8561.