What Really Matters?

Buying a home? The process can be stressful. A home inspection is supposed to give you peace of mind, but often has the opposite effect. You will be asked to absorb a lot of information in a short time. This often includes a written report, photographs and what the inspector himself says during the inspection. All this combined with the seller's disclosure and what you notice yourself makes the experience even more overwhelming. What should you do?

Relax! Most of your inspection will be maintenance recommendations, life expectancies and minor imperfections. These are nice to know about. However, the issues that really matter will fall into four categories:

1) Major defects. An example of this would be a structural failure.
2) Things that lead to major defects. A small roof-flashing leak, for example.
3) Things that may hinder your ability to finance, legally occupy or insure the home.
4) Safety hazards, such as an exposed, live buss bar at the electric panel.

Anything in these categories should be addressed.  Often a serious problem can be corrected inexpensively to protect both life and property (especially in categories 2 and 4).

Most sellers are honest and are often surprised to learn of defects uncovered during an inspection. Realize that sellers are under no obligation to repair everything mentioned in the report. No home is perfect. Keep things in perspective. Do not kill your deal over things that do not matter. It is inappropriate to demand that a seller address deferred maintenance, conditions already listed on the seller's disclosure or nit-picky items.

Buyer's Guide
National Property Inspections (NPI) can help you avoid surprises with a pre-purchase home inspection. Most buyers agree it's a good idea to make your home purchase contingent on a home inspection. In fact, every year 70% - 80% of prospective homebuyers have an inspection and gain that peace of mind.¹

An inspection includes:
A thorough visual inspection of the structure (inside and out, from foundation to roof).
An examination of all major systems (mechanical and electrical).
Evaluation of hundreds of components.
A printed report with color photos explaining all significant findings and recommendations.

You should order an inspection immediately after reaching a written purchase agreement with the home seller. Most real estate purchase agreements include a clause making the purchase contingent on a home inspection for your protection.
Special note: A professional home inspection can take 2 to 4 hours. You may choose to attend the entire inspection or arrive toward the end to review the inspector’s significant findings.

We understand how important it is for you to know everything possible about your prospective home. Our inspections meet the standards set by the American Institute of Inspectors AII standards of practice, as well as any local regulations concerning home inspections.

¹ National Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI)

Home Inspections in the Bend, Sisters, Redmond & Prineville areas, Central Oregon
Ph:(541) 617-5337   Fax:(541) 617-5338   info@npibend.com