INSPECTION TIPS

Getting Ready for a Home Inspection

To get ready for a real estate inspection, at a minimum the following steps must be followed:

1. All utilities must be turned on in the home to perform a home inspection, including gas, electric, and water.
2. Arrangements must be made for access to the home for the home inspection through the real estate agent or seller.
3. Have home owner secure all pets.
4. Or call me and I can make all the arrangements for you.

What Happens when the Inspection Finds Items "Deficient"?

Most Houston home purchase contracts contain an inspection contingency.  This clause permits the buyer to withdraw from the contract if defects in the property are found.  Assuming you still want to purchase the home, an alternative is to have the seller remedy the defect (s).  This can be accomplished in several ways:

1. Have the seller make the repairs at their expense.
2. Lower the purchase price by the amount estimated to repair the defect(s).
3. Have the sellers include an allowance in the closing statement, which will provide the funds to make the repairs.

There are ramifications to consider with each of these methods, but it allows you to still purchase the home you selected.