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The feeling of finding the perfect home is unmatched, but don’t let your excitement takeover before the home inspection! There’s still a bit of work to do before you spend your days and nights planning your home design and envisioning your new space. Home inspections can help identify necessary repairs and maintenance and that doesn’t come without a cost – but don’t worry, you can and should negotiate!
What home inspections usually focus on:
Appliances, basement, electrical, HVAC system, plumbing, roof and attic
Where to start:
So your home inspection has just been completed, the first step is to discuss it with your agent. You’ll need to determine which repairs you’ll request.
Prioritize repairs by severity and cost, any significant issues that pose real threats to the home. Determine which ones are deal breakers that would cause you to walk away from the sale.
What’s next:
After you’ve completed the above, begin planning your requests for the seller. Determine which of your must-have repairs you will request of the seller. Know that the seller may offer a concession or credit to the repairs as an alternative. Be aware that if a home is listed “as is,” it’s unlikely that the seller will be willing to sway or make any concessions and be weary that a seller is not obligated to make any repairs. Lastly, if you agree to a concession, be sure to get real quotes from contractors to ensure you know what you’re getting into.
All this is to say, home inspections are incredibly important and help ensure you will be safe and happy in your new home. Be sure to know what you’re willing to live with and what types of repairs are deal breakers. Don’t forget, you can lean on your real estate agent for their expertise!
Keller Williams Realty, Inc. is a real estate franchise company. Each Keller Williams office is independently owned and operated. Keller Williams Realty, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and supports the Fair Housing Act.