A house is a huge investment that could take decades to pay for, so it makes financial sense to ensure you know what you're getting into before closing the deal. A home inspector can identify any potential problems with the property. If you're buying a home, below are some of the key reasons to invest in an inspection before you sign on the dotted line.

Why Hire a Home Inspector Before Buying?

1. Get a Better Price

If your home inspector unearths problems with the house, you can simply walk away from the deal and look for a different home. However, you can also negotiate a lower price. The owner may not have realized their home had any problems and set the price accordingly.

With your inspection report in hand, you may be able to knock off a large percentage of the asking price and get a deal on the property. Nevertheless, understand that much of that savings will likely go toward repairs or upgrades.

2. Avoid Expensive Problems

Once you buy the house, you become responsible for all of its issues and repairs. It is therefore wise to identify these issues and necessary repairs before you take ownership.

A home inspection identifies problems like termite activity, an aging roof, and code violations. All of these can cost thousands—or even tens of thousands—of dollars to deal with, so find out what the house needs before the financial responsibility falls on you.

3. Have the Owner Make Repairs

If you are not interested in completing the repairs yourself, ask the seller to make any necessary fixes as a condition of the sale. That way, you still get the house you want at the asking price, but without any accompanying issues. It saves you a lot of hassle and provides a home that's in move-in condition when you take ownership.

If buying a home is in your future, contact Hensley Realty Co. in Russell, KY. They have more than 40 years of experience helping clients buy and sell real estate in Kentucky’s Boyd, Carter, and Greenup counties and parts of southern Ohio. Visit their website to find resources for buying a house, and call (606) 836-9770 to talk to an experienced realtor.