It's A Buyer's Market: 3 Things To Watch For When You Get The Inspection
If you're in the market for a new home, you want to make sure you find the perfect one. That includes looking beyond what you can see with your eyes and delving into the great unknown – the pre-purchase inspection. Before you purchase a home, you need wait for the home inspection report, that piece of paper that's going to tell you everything that's wrong – and potentially wrong – with the home of your dreams. Once you receive the home inspection report, you'll need to sit down with your real estate agent and go over it with a fine-tooth comb. Here are four red flags you should look for.
Termites
While some pests are merely nuisances that you can take care of with a can of insecticide, termites spell disaster. If your home inspection report shows termite activity – or termite damage – you need to step away from the purchase. Termites feed off the wood inside a home. Severe infestations can lead to a loss of structural integrity in the home, meaning that the house could eventually collapse. Getting rid of termites once the house is infested can be quite costly. Avoid the problems and say no to a home with termites.
Black Mold
You've found the perfect home but the home inspection discovered black mold. While black mold can cause health problems, especially for people who already have breathing problems or allergies, a mold remediation company can usually take care of the problem. If you've discovered black mold in the home you're looking at, request a clean-up and a repeat inspection. If the repeat inspection comes up clean, it's safe to proceed with the purchase.
Radon
If the home you're looking at has a basement, you should make sure that the home inspection includes a test for radon. While radon is a naturally occurring gas, it can cause health problems if it has permeated throughout the house. If the inspection comes up positive for radon gas, ask the homeowner to install a radon remediation device – or ask them to come down on the price so you can purchase one. The radon remediation device will remove radon from the air inside the home.
Now that you're looking for a home, don't take chances with your health and safety. Request a home inspection and make sure it covers the items described above. Be sure to discuss the home inspection with your real estate agent.