Managing Your House Search: Tips for Going to House Inspections
The search for your first home is a big one, and it can be overwhelming. There are so many aspects to consider, from budgeting to searching for the right property. In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about house inspections. We’ll cover everything from what you should expect, how to prepare for an inspection day and how long inspections take in general, plus tips on how to manage your expectations when looking at properties that need work done (and why that’s not actually as bad as you think!).
Be prepared
Before you head out, make sure you are prepared with a list of questions to ask the real estate agent. This is where your research and planning will come in handy!
It’s also important to know what you are looking for before going in. For example, if there is a certain feature that would make it difficult to sell the home later on, like an awkwardly-placed fireplace or an old boiler system that’s not working properly, then this could be a dealbreaker for you.
The inspection is your chance to get a look at the house, so leave your emotions at home
Your inspection is your chance to get a look at the house, so check as much as you can. Our Perth based mortgage brokers have found people might want every home to be perfect – so leave your emotions at home. Don’t worry about what the seller will think if you ask questions or express concern. You’re not buying the house right now; it’s just an inspection! If there are issues with a home, they can be fixed later on in negotiations or as part of moving in and furnishing it. Even though it’s tempting to try to negotiate repairs with a seller before purchasing their home, this isn’t always possible and can end up making things worse if they don’t feel like they’re getting enough money back from you (or if they need cash fast).
Inspections shouldn’t be stressful—they should be informative!
Make sure you’re checking everything
The inspection is your chance to see the house in person. This is where you get a feel for things like:
- The structure and systems of the house. Are there cracks? Are there signs of water damage?
- What condition everything is in? Is there anything you might need to replace or repair?
- How well it was built and maintained over time. Do any parts look like they were done on a budget, or with low-quality materials?
Write it down as you go along to remember what you’re seeing
This process will help you remember the house inspection in detail.
- Write down what you see. It’s easy to forget details when they are not written down and recorded, so always make notes as you go along. This will help you keep track of all the details about your house search and make sure that nothing slips through the cracks.
- Make notes of what you’re seeing and make observations about how well-maintained it is or how much work has been done on it recently. If there are things that need attention, this is where I would write them down: “Hole in wall needs fixed” or “Paint peeling off here.” You might even note if something was done incorrectly (for example: “One window doesn’t open properly”) so that when it comes time for repairs it won’t cost more than necessary because someone didn’t do their job right originally!
If you find something that doesn’t look right, ask the agent why
If you find something that doesn’t look right, ask the agent to explain it. Ask if this is a common problem in the area and if it will get worse over time. Make sure you can live with these issues or they are worth fixing. If they aren’t and your agent says “yes,” then just go on to the next house!
Don’t expect everything to be perfect
You should be prepared for the fact that not every house you look at will be perfect. If you are buying a new house, there is bound to be some minor issues that need fixing or adjusting. You may find that the fixtures aren’t quite what you expected, or the layout doesn’t accommodate your furniture needs as well as it could have. This is all part of buying a new home and having something built for you rather than buying an existing property where everything is already set up how you want it.
Even if you are purchasing an older home, there may still be some smaller issues with things like paint colour or carpeting being worn out in high traffic areas (if these things matter to you). Most people who buy older homes are aware there might be some cosmetic changes they’ll have to make in order to find their dream home—but these changes can easily be fixed over time!
Get a second opinion
When you’re making big decisions like buying a house, it’s always a good idea to get an outside opinion. Having someone else look over your shoulder will help you avoid making mistakes and make sure that the house is right for your needs.
Getting a second opinion on your home inspection is one of the best ways to ensure that you don’t miss anything important. You can ask friends or family members, but it’s better if they aren’t involved with the process so they don’t feel pressure from their own personal interests in getting you into a particular home (or not). A professional inspector will give an unbiased view of everything about the property including things like its condition, safety features and location relative to other properties in its area.
Be prepared and stay calm at house inspections so that you can make the best decision for you and your family
When it comes to house inspections, the more prepared you are, the less likely you’ll get emotional and make an impulsive decision that isn’t in your best interest.
It’s also important to remember that not everything will be perfect. This is especially true if you’re purchasing a new build; there may still be some finishing touches left to do once you move in. If something comes up during your inspection that doesn’t look right or seems strange, ask your agent about it!
Conclusion
We hope these tips have been helpful in your search for a new home. We know that buying a house can be stressful, but we also believe that it should be an exciting and enjoyable process. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure of what to expect next, don’t hesitate to contact us! Our team will work with you every step of the way as we help find your perfect match.