Step 6: Get a home inspection. A home inspection protects your interests. Hiring a licensed, independent home inspector licensed by the State of Connecticut to visually inspect the home you hope to buy will provide you with information that you and your agent will need as you negotiate the terms and conditions of the contract.
Typically,You will be responsible for paying for the home inspection done by an independent home inspector if you choose to have one. Some buyers and sellers agree to share the cost of the repairs. Even under circumstances where the seller provides you with an inspection report or offers you a home warranty, a prudent homebuyer will insist on obtaining an independent inspection. This will lower the risk of any unforeseen surprises that could either defeat your effort to buy the house or, worse, lead to costly repairs after you buy the house. Homebuyers and home sellers alike depend on accurate home inspections to help them reach fair agreements regarding the sale of a home. A home inspection is not an appraisal. All lenders and mortgage insurers require an appraisal to confirm that the home and the value of the home meet their requirements, but an appraisal is not the same as an inspection and you should not rely on the appraisal to assess the condition of the home you are purchasing. An appraisal is intended to assess the value of a home based on the value of comparable homes in the neighborhood for insurance purposes. On the other hand, a home inspection is intended to ensure that a homebuyer is thoroughly informed as to the condition of the home prior to purchase. Nevertheless, you should plan to be present during the lender’s appraisal of the home. A home inspector should be state-licensed. Hiring a qualified, licensed home inspector is essential. Often your real estate agent, your attorney or your lender can provide you with a list of local home inspectors. Also make sure you verify that the candidate has a valid and current Connecticut Home Inspector’s License with the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection. Finally, make sure you are present during the home inspection. A licensed home inspector will thoroughly examine a detailed list of elements in the home you hope to buy. Generally, your inspector will examine the structure of the home, including the roof, walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, foundation and basement as well as the heating, plumbing, electrical and air conditioning systems. You can also hire an inspector to inspect for termites, radon, lead paint and asbestos.
A home inspector should provide a written report, within a reasonable amount of time after the completion of the inspection.
Any conditions of disrepair in the inspector’s report can reopen negotiations with the seller. After review the inspection report, you will discuss with your Realtor and concerns or reasonable request for may want to negotiate.
