Tips and guides on how to buy your next home

Home Buying Guides & Tips


<p>Buying a home or investment property can be a confusing and stressful endeavor. Not only do you have to consider price, location and financing, but you have to worry about the structural soundness of the property you are buying.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-importance-of-home-inspections">The Importance of Home Inspections</h2>



<p>That’s why home inspections are so important. Next to financing, the home inspection is probably one of the most important aspects of buying a home. A home inspection is an unbiased, professional assessment of the condition of the house. It provides buyers with an expert opinion and written report on the condition of the physical structure and various systems within the house.</p>



<p>In order to prepare the report, an inspection must conduct a visual inspection of the house. Depending on the size of the property, the inspection process typically takes about three hours to complete. Buyers should accompany the inspector during the inspection. This will give you a chance to ask questions and become familiar with the systems of the home.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="950" height="629" src="https://nationsinfocor.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Inspecting-a-home.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-25925" srcset="https://nationsinfocor.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Inspecting-a-home.jpg 950w, https://nationsinfocor.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Inspecting-a-home-300x199.jpg 300w, https://nationsinfocor.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Inspecting-a-home-768x508.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 950px) 100vw, 950px" /></figure>



<p>Home inspectors are hired by buyers to provide a written report  regarding the property’s condition, including the roof, foundation, heating and cooling systems, plumbing, electrical work, water and sewerage and some fire and safety issues. Moreover, the home inspector will look for evidence of insect, water or fire damage or any other issue that may affect the value of the property.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-choosing-the-right-home-inspector">Choosing the Right Home Inspector</h2>



<p>Not every state has a certification program for the home inspection industry and requirements for certification vary widely. In many states an inspector doesn’t need any formal inspection education and may not have to be licensed or bonded. </p>



<p>In order to make sure your inspector is a competent professional, you should do a little research on your state’s requirements, certifications and professional designations. To find a home inspector go the <a href="http://www.ashi.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">American Society of Home Inspectors</a> (ASHI) website or the <a href="http://www.nahi.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Association of Home Inspectors</a> (NAHI) website to locate a home inspector near you. ASHI maintains a list of certified inspectors, searchable by Zip code. </p>



<p>Word of mouth is probably still the most common way to find an inspector. But even if the recommendation comes from a friend or <a href="https://www.realtytrac.com/resources/real-estate-agent/">real estate agent</a>, it’s a good idea to check for certification, call references, and consult the local Better Business Bureau to make sure previous jobs have been without incident.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="682" src="https://nationsinfocor.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Getting-a-mortgage-1024x682.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-26408" srcset="https://nationsinfocor.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Getting-a-mortgage-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://nationsinfocor.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Getting-a-mortgage-300x200.jpg 300w, https://nationsinfocor.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Getting-a-mortgage-768x512.jpg 768w, https://nationsinfocor.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Getting-a-mortgage.jpg 1100w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Most real estate agents will be able to recommend several (get at least three names), and you can also ask friends who had an inspection done recently. Inspection costs vary depending on the size of the home being inspected, but it usually ranges between $200 and $400.</p>



<p>When choosing a home inspector experience is key. Inspectors learn something new on each job, so the longer they’ve been in business the better. Also, find out what sort of report the inspector issues. Also, be aware that home inspectors are poorly regulated, and the level of performance varies widely. Only 16 states require licenses, according to the American Society of Home Inspectors, a trade group based in Des Plaines, Illinois.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-navigating-post-inspection-negotiations">Navigating Post-Inspection Negotiations</h2>



<p>With your inspection report in hand — plus your list of needed improvements and the assistance of your real estate sales professional — you can request that the seller make repairs. The seller may say no, give you a purchase credit or repair some items. </p>



<p>But the more detailed your list, the better the chances the seller will at least give a little — and maybe a lot.</p>


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Olga is a renowned expert in foreclosure and real estate, known for her in-depth knowledge and strategic approach to managing distressed properties. As a writer for RealtyTrac, she provides valuable insights and advice to help readers navigate the complexities of the real estate market.

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Market Reports

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Tools for individuals & investors looking to buy a home

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David joined Nations Info as President in 2020 to take on the responsibilities of strategic planning, overall company management, product development and customer acquisition. With him, David brings 20 years of experience in the internet and technology industries, with leadership in Product, Marketing, Technology, as well as leading international teams in companies such as Ebates, Living Social, Groupon and Microsoft. David attended The MIT Sloan School of Management’s MBA program and earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley, studying Computer Science.

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