North Texas Real Estate Blog

With all the incentives available to homebuyers, whether first time buyers or investors out to take advantage of the high number of foreclosures, the need for a good, licensed home inspector has never been more important. The North Texas real estate market continues to see a rise in foreclosures, many that have been vacant and neglected for an extended period of time. In cities like Keller TX, Trophy Club TX, Saginaw, TX, and other areas in northeastern Tarrant County, first time homebuyers and investors are taking advantage of the great deals on the real estate market. When homes sit vacant without water, heat and air conditioning, especially in Texas where there are such drastic changes in the weather, signs of deterioration can appear at a more rapid pace than an occupied home. Never has the need for a home inspection before you buy been more important.

Most home inspections occur after the negotiation of a sales price between the buyer and seller. Some seller’s choose to have their home inspected before listing the property to help detect problems or issues that may arise when negotiating with potential buyers. The seller can choose to make repairs before listing or to take these matters in consideration when negotiating the sales price. Other seller’s have a copy available to prospective buyers to let them know more about the current condition of the property.

The home inspector’s main role is to give the home seller or buyer a general overall picture of the condition of the structural and operational aspects of a home. The inspector usually begins with a visual inspection of the exterior of the property. The inspector will examine the roof, gutters, flashing, and ventilation. He will look for wood rot, siding or brick defects, exterior electrical and lighting devices, and any other signs of concern on the home’s exterior. After the exterior inspection, the inspector will check the attic and any crawl spaces. A general inspection of the plumbing, appliances, heater, air conditioner, light fixtures, and electrical outlets is performed to note problems or potentially hazardous conditions. Smoke detectors will be tested for operation. After the inspection is complete, the home inspector will provide a written report to the seller or buyer with any items that were discovered that need to be repaired. With this information the seller can either make necessary repairs or be informed of what may come up when the buyer performs their own inspection. The buyer can take this information and either request the items to be repaired or use them to negotiate a different price based on the cost of the recommended repairs.

To find a knowledgeable home inspector, you can check with the International Association of Certified Inspectors at www.nachi.org or the American Association of Home Inspectors at www.ashi.org for a certified inspector in your area. Once you find an inspector, check with the Better Business Bureau or through your local Chamber of Commerce for more information. Your Realtor is also a good source of information as they do work closely with home inspectors.