Buying or selling a home can be an overwhelming process, but a home inspection can help provide peace of mind and protect your investment.

Whether you’re buying or selling a home, the role of a home inspector in the real estate transaction provides clarity on the true condition of the home. For home buyers, they can never be too proactive about knowing this information. It allows them to confidently make the decision to purchase a home. For home sellers, you can attract more buyers when your home has already been inspected. Sellers can welcome condition-free offers by making the necessary repairs at a reasonable cost before listing, then listing the home-"as-is".

Home inspectors play a crucial role in the real estate transaction process for both home buyers and home sellers. Let’s discuss the inspector’s role and responsibilities.

What Does a Home Inspector Do?

Home inspectors are licensed professionals trained to assess the condition of a home's major systems and components, including the roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling systems, and more. The purpose of a home inspection is to identify any defects or safety issues that could impact the home's value or safety.

During a home inspection, the inspector will visually inspect the home and create a detailed report outlining any issues or concerns. This report is then shared with the home buyer or seller, who can use it to negotiate repairs, adjust the sale price, or walk away from the transaction altogether.

Role of a Home Inspector in Real Estate Process

The role of a home inspector is to provide an objective and professional evaluation of the condition of a property. Home inspectors are typically hired by the buyer to inspect the property before closing. However, a pre-inspection can also be requested by home sellers.

Overall, the home inspector's role is to provide an unbiased and professional evaluation of the property to notify the buyer or seller about repairs or other issues that need to be addressed before closing.

Next Steps After a Home Inspection

It's important to note that a home inspection is not a pass/fail test, but rather an assessment of the home's current condition. The home inspector is not responsible for fixing any issues they find, but rather for providing an objective analysis of the home's systems and components.

After a home inspection, the next steps in the real estate process will depend on the results of the inspection and the terms of the purchase agreement. Here are some possible next steps:

Negotiate repairs

If the inspection revealed issues with the house, the buyer may request repairs or a credit from the seller to cover the cost of repairs.

Request additional inspections

The buyer may request additional inspections, such as a pest inspection, mold inspection, or structural inspection.

Waive contingencies

If the inspection went well, the buyer may choose to waive any contingencies in the purchase agreement, such as the inspection contingency or the appraisal contingency.

Move forward with the purchase

If the inspection and negotiation process goes smoothly, the buyer and seller can move forward with the purchase.

Terminate the purchase agreement

If the inspection reveals major issues with the property that the buyer is not willing to accept, they may choose to terminate the purchase agreement and look for another property.

Conclusion: Home Inspections and the Real Estate Process

Home inspections are a critical part of the real estate transaction process in Pennsylvania, and it's important to work with a licensed, experienced inspector who can provide a thorough assessment of your home. By understanding the role of home inspectors, you can have confidence in your purchase or sale and make informed decisions about your investment.

 

Harrisburg home inspectors Dan Ayers and Scott Ayers, like all HouseMaster home inspectors, have extensive training and certifications and are tested annually to meet the industry standards of continuing education, inspection, reporting, and customer service. As part of the oldest and most trusted nationwide home inspection business, Dan and Scott have been able to put their decade long experience in fire and water property restoration and their passion for customer service to good use in the professional home inspection process.  Request an inspection today!