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A buyer is entitled to know exactly what he or she is getting. The buyer must not take for granted what he thinks he sees or what the seller or listing broker discloses.
A professional home inspection is a MUST, whether buying an existing home or a new one. An inspection is an opportunity to have an expert look closely at the property being purchased and to give both an oral and written opinion as to its condition.
To be binding, a demand to have an inspection must be contained in the written purchase offer. This demand must be written as a contingency, meaning that if the buyer doesn't approve of the condition of the property based on the inspection report, then the buyer is not required to buy the property. The standard real estate purchase contracts that NW Oregon Realtors® use provide an inspection contingency.
When selecting an inspector, check beforehand to verify the inspector's qualifications and professional standing. He should have documented building inspection training and experience and should have a current Oregon Construction Contractors Board
(CCB) license and insurance. Also consider choosing an inspector who is certified by a local or national trade organization, such as ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors) or NAHI (National Association of Home Inspectors). Additionally, contact the
CCB and the local Better Business Bureau for a record of any complaints against the inspector.
Choose an inspector who is articulate, is easy to get along with, and who is willing to talk in person about the issues raised in his inspection. Avoid inspectors who prefer that the buyer only be present when it's time to pay for the inspection.
A competent inspector will not mind being watched a little. In fact, buyers should make it a point to be present for as much of the inspection as possible. This allows them to feel more comfortable that the inspector is doing what the buyers expect and gives buyers a chance to get direct, unfiltered answers to their questions. An inspector's oral comments are typically more revealing and detailed than what can be found on the written report.
Once the inspection is complete, take time to review the inspection report carefully. In addition to talking with the inspector, buyers should discuss any questions with their real estate brokers. Based on their original inspection and discussions with their broker, some buyers may want additional inspections of specific, localized parts of a home, such as a masonry inspection of the chimney or an inspection of the furnace by a qualified heating technician.
Some homes may also require inspections outside the scope of expertise of a traditional home inspector. Rural homes should have septic inspections and well tests. Soil tests could be necessary for certain farm properties.
Buyers should also consider other types of inspections that are available and which may be prudent, depending on the buyers' needs and concerns. Listed below are some of the other inspection types for which professional inspection services may be advisable.
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