Inspecting the Home

A home’s condition is important. It is good to consult with local experts on the property and situational circumstances, from weather and moister to structural integrity. The condition of a home is a significant consid­eration in most real estate transactions. As a matter of fact, 90% of the complaints voiced by buyers against home sel­lers, address the condition of the property. In order to evaluate the home’s value, you should thoroughly consider its condition. Our goal is to describe some common condition concerns and help you put them into the proper perspective.

Some Advice to the Buyers. Buyers should always remember not to expect new when they are buying used. Keep in mind, every home usually has some sign of wear or at least the possibility of condition problems. Your expectations should be proportionate with the complete picture, evaluating all aspects of the home. This total evalu­ation will help to keep condition issues in their proper perspective. Most condition concerns that are understood and properly valued will generally not prevent buyers from purchasing a home and being happy with it. Click here to learn the details.

Let’s look at some specific questions sent in by DearMonty readers from across the country. Read more Q&A articles about the “Inspecting the Home” stage of the Home Buying process:

  • Is it wise to waive a home inspection?

    Dear Monty: Is it wise to waive a home inspection? We recently bought a home, and we agreed to waive a home inspection. There were multiple offers on the house. Our agent suggested a competitive advantage by waiving the home inspection. Yesterday, a heating contractor told us we should replace the twenty-year-old furnace. Since moving…

  • The problems with home inspections

      Reader Question: You have written numerous articles over time about the problems with home inspections. We are near our savings goal and preparing to buy a home. What is your current opinion of home inspections?  Monty’s Answer: Home inspection laws came into existence because home sellers were unaware of the defects, hid, or made…

  • Who should have caught this condition problem?

      Reader Question: I bought a house a year ago with some permitted room additions. However, the flipper replaced the electrical box from 100 amp to 200 amp non-permitted. This work was not disclosed to me or caught in the homeowner’s inspection. So now, I have been experiencing electrical issues at my house. The utility…

  • Home buyer is afraid of hidden home defects.

    Reader Question: We like a home and want to make an offer. The seller is offering the home in “as is” condition and did not complete a seller condition report. While we do see conditions that will require repair or replacements, those repairs do not seem severe enough to go “as is” on us. Our…

  • How to verify lot lines

    When buying a home it is important to verify lot lines. Avoid angst in the future when you build a fence on your neighbors property.

  • Not Knowing Your Property Line When Buying a Home Can Be Expensive

    Reader Question: I recently had my lot surveyed, and it turns out one neighbor’s fence is three feet over my property line, butted up against the back of my garage. The neighbor to the side has a fence that is about five feet inside their property line. I have someone cut my grass and don’t…