Purchasing a home is one of the most significant financial investments you'll ever make. Therefore, it makes good economic sense to make sure the property is in good condition. You can do this by scheduling a new home inspection before you sign a contract. The process takes two to three hours, and the cost is well worth it. Below are some of the reasons a pre-purchase inspection is so important.

A Guide to New Home Inspections

1. Identify Unreliable Properties

In some cases, the information a home inspector unearths changes the decision about the purchase entirely. The home may have significant termite damage that presents structural problems. It may have other issues that are so significant or costly to fix that you just don't want to deal with the hassle or expense. This lets you walk away from the purchase before the problems become yours. The last thing you want is to enter into a long-term mortgage, pay a large down payment, and only then discover the house needs expensive repairs.

2. Allow for Renegotiation on the Price

If your home inspection reveals that the house is in generally good condition but needs a few issues repaired, you can often use that information to negotiate a lower selling price. You should have a contractor write an estimate for the cost of repairs. Then you can use this to settle on the cost. You might even be able to save more than the repair costs as compensation for the time and effort it will take to remedy the issue.

3. Ask the Seller to Make Repairs

If you are happy with the asking price but don't want to deal with home improvements on a house you've just bought, you can ask the seller to make the necessary repairs for you. Many sellers will be happy to make this a condition of the sale, especially if the home has been on the market for some time. This way, you are not faced with immediate repairs upon taking ownership.

To schedule a home inspection so that you know exactly what you're buying, contact Prior To Purchase Inspection Services, LLC in Highland Heights, KY. They have served the Greater Cincinnati area for more than 25 years. They specialize in mold, water quality, and radon testing in addition to property condition assessments. Learn more about them at their website or call (859) 802-8561 today to schedule a new home inspection.