Before You Buy Phoenix Real Estate
Do you really need to have a home inspection before buying? In a word, yes. Most homebuyers take into consideration what the cost of paying the home’s mortgage, taxes and utilities will be, but fail to factor in home repairs and maintenance. A home with many defects that is selling for a low price may be a great value for a homebuyer who is very handy and has the time and money to make the needed improvements.
On the other hand, buying a home that requires a lot of repairs may be a big problem. Do you have the ability, the finances, and the resources to make repairs? Are you prepared to spend from a few hours to what might be weeks without air conditioning or even plumbing? A proper home inspection can help warn you of potential problems before they happen.
Your REALTOR should explain the purchase process, make and negotiate the offer and prepare contracts. Once the contract has been accepted your Realtor will assist you in making arrangements for your home inspection. In Arizona, most contracts only allow 10 days for you to obtain all necessary inspections. Plan on attending the inspection and ask question while it is going on. Don’t be afraid to speak up if you don’t understand something. This will soon be your new home and you should feel good about your purchase.
Some of the things the inspector will be looking for include; Foundations: Look for cracks or water seepage, Insulation: Look for condition, adequate rating for climate, Doors and Windows: Look for loose or tight fits, condition of locks, condition of weather stripping, Roof: Look for age, conditions of flashing, pooling water, buckled shingles, or loose gutters and downspouts, Ceilings, walls, and moldings: Look for loose pieces, drywall that is pulling away, Electrical: Look for condition of fuse box/circuit breakers, number of outlets in each room, Plumbing: Look for poor water pressure, banging pipes, rust spots or corrosion that indicate leaks, sufficient insulation, Water Heater: Look for age, size adequate for house, speed of recovery, energy rating.
That’s not even half the list, but I think you get my point. A home inspection is a crucial component of the home buying process. Now you can complete your home purchase with confidence about the condition of the property and all its equipment and systems. From the inspection, you will have learned many things about your new home, and will want to keep that information for future reference.
To find out more about home buying and selling and Phoenix real estate, contact Tracy Thompson at 623-326-0597 or email Tracy@TalkToTracyHomes.com. http://www.TalkToTracyHomes.com or http://www.TalkToTracyHomes.com
