Regardless if a property buyer is purchasing their first home or adding to a growing investment portfolio, buying a property is a big commitment that should not be entered into lightly, says Adrian Goslett, CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa.
Goslett notes that for this reason, buyers should consider having the home that they are interested in inspected by a trusted professional to ensure that they are making the correct decision. While the home may be aesthetically pleasing, it is important for buyers to look past that and check the integrity of the components that make up the property in order to ensure that the purchase won’t end up costing more in the long run.
It is often very difficult for buyers and agents to identify any mechanical or structural problems the house may have as it is not their area of expertise. Having the home inspected could provide the potential buyer with an estimated cost of any repair that is required, before they sign on the dotted line. Knowing whether or not there are any problems with the house will allow the potential buyer to make a more informed decision.
[clickToTweet tweet=”Having the home inspected could provide the buyer with an estimated cost of any repair, before they signing.” quote=”Having the home inspected could provide the potential buyer with an estimated cost of any repair that is required, before they sign on the dotted line.”] He adds that a home inspection will not just benefit buyers, but in certain cases sellers as well. “Sellers who are looking to list their property on the market can have their home inspected to offer buyers the potential peace of mind that they won’t have to face any costly repairs straight away. If a seller has their home inspected, they can also see to it that any repairs that need to be carried out can be completed before they list their home,” says Goslett. “A property that is in good repair will attract a greater number of buyers when listed. It will also more than likely attain a higher sales price than a home in the same area that is in need of repair.”According to Goslett, even if a homeowner is not selling their property, having a professional home inspection can assist them in maintaining their greatest investment to ensure future appreciation. An inspection can uncover minor repairs before they become major problems. An inspector can check for damage to the foundation of the home, any faulty or outdated wiring and electrical problems, damaged plumbing or water leaks and anything else that, if left unchecked and unrepaired, could lead to a costly repair in the future.
“Aside from the cost aspect, another element to consider is the safety of the home’s inhabitants. Faulty electrical systems can potentially be extremely dangerous and cause breaker tripping or, in some cases, even fire. Unstable or insecure railings on staircases or balconies are also not safe. If these features of the home are not checked and maintained, accidents could occur,” says Goslett.
He concludes by saying that if homebuyers, sellers or homeowners are in doubt about any aspect of the property, they should make use of trusted professional who can help them look for defects and guide them towards the best possible solution.
This article “Home Inspections Can Benefit Buyers And Sellers” was issued by RE/MAX of Southern Africa.
