Buying A Central Ohio Home? Get A FREE Home Search

Selling Your Central Ohio Home? Get A FREE Home Price Evaluation

 

If you are in the process of buying a home, there is a good chance you will have some questions about what to expect during your home inspections. For your protection, we strongly recommend getting a home inspection. There are several aspects of this process that anyone buying a home should understand.

The first thing to remember is that you as a buyer will be responsible for the cost of all inspections and tests. This is to protect your best interests – it ensures you are in control of who inspects the property, and are therefore able to get an unbiased opinion of the home. If the seller were to pay for the inspections, you would no longer have that control and peace of mind.

Your real estate consultant will be happy to recommend inspectors for you, but remember you are not obligated to choose any of them. Feel free to do your own research and choose a home inspector that fits your needs.

As a buyer, you probably have questions regarding the home inspection process. Have no fear, we are here to help! Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we get from our clients…

Number One. When should you get a home inspection?

Once you are in contract on a home, you will have a period of time referred to as the “Specified Inspection Period”. This timeframe is typically the first 7-10 days after acceptance and is your opportunity to conduct any and all inspections you wish to have on the property.

Number Two. What types of inspections should I get?

There are several types of inspections to choose from. At the very least, we recommend getting a general home inspection, which is an examination of the premises looking for any major issues affecting the safety and security of your home.

The most common additional inspections that may be completed are those for mold, radon, pests, and lead based paint.

Keep in mind that the Specified Inspection Period is your opportunity to conduct any and all desired inspections on the property. If you would like something inspected that I haven’t mentioned, you may do so as long as it is completed during the negotiated timeframe.

Number Three. How long do inspections take and what do they cost?

Home inspections can take anywhere between 2 and 5 hours and cost approximately $300 to over $500 dollars depending on the age, size of the home, and services selected. We recommend being present during the inspection so that you are able to address any concerns you may have with your inspector. After the inspection, you will receive a detailed report from the inspector and you can discuss any repairs you would like the seller to make with your agent.

I hope this information helps you to better understand what you should expect during a home inspection. If you have any more questions or are thinking of buying or selling a home in the Central Ohio area, give us a call at 614.855.8700!

 

How To Buy A Home In Central Ohio

                      

Buying A Central Ohio Home? Get A FREE Home Search

Selling Your Central Ohio Home? Get A FREE Home Price Evaluation

From the outside looking in, buying a home may seem like a long and complicated process. However, once you have an outline of the process, purchasing a home seems like a much more attainable goal. Here are four easy steps to remember when buying a home in Central Ohio.

Number one. Get approval from a reputable lender. This is the most important part of the buying process. Once you know how much you can afford, it makes the process of searching for a home much easier. You will also become a much more desirable buyer in the eyes of a seller once you have a pre-qualification letter in your hand. The Raines Group works with many reputable and experienced lenders that can help you in your buying process.

Number two. Find a buyer's agent.  It is important to work with one agent and form a relationship with them. This allows the agent to find homes that you want, and it makes the process of communicating much more efficient. 

Number three. Define what is important to you and let your agent know. Is there a specific area that you would like to live in? Do you really want a finished basement or two car garage? Make sure to let your agent know everything that you are looking for in your dream home so that they can help lead you in the right direction.

Number four. Locate the home that you want and put in an offer. Once you have found a home, you will need to place an attractive offer on it and get some inspections done. You will want an inspection in order to tell you what may need to be fixed and what maintenance needs to be kept up. 

By remembering these four easy tips, you should be able to find your dream home in no time.

With over 100 years of combined real estate experience and over 400 families served in 2015, put The Raines Group to work for you!