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Contact: Kevin Ratliff -
SIX HOME-INSPECTION MYTHS
Having faulty or misguided beliefs about home-inspection services can lead to poor buying processes and final decisions. Kevin Ratliff, president of Pillar to Post Inspections of SW Washington, North America's leading provider of home-inspection services, offers responses to some of the most common myths about home inspection.
MYTH # 1: All "qualified" home inspectors are alike.
Truth: Just because someone claims to be an inspector-even a certified inspector-doesn't mean he or she is qualified. Washington, like some other states, does not require home inspectors to be licensed. Before choosing an inspector, examine the person's credentials and be sure you trust not just the certification but the certifying body. You can find if someone is a member of the American Society of Home Inspectors or the National Association of Home Inspectors online at 222.ashi.org or www.nahi.org. Another good standard for finding a home inspector is to ask him or her how many inspections they perform in a year. At least 200 inspections is a good number.
MYTH # 2: The inspection report functions as a list of repairs the seller needs to complete.
Truth: The seller can choose to use the inspection as a repair list, or as a negotiation tool to move the deal forward.
MYTH # 3: The home inspection will go fine without your presence.
Truth: You don't need to be there, but it is a good idea and a great way to learn how to operate systems in the home and understand its condition. It also lets you ask questions of the inspector and the seller.
MYTH # 4: You don't have to bother getting a home inspected if it's being sold "as is".
Truth: A Home sold "as is" should certainly be inspected, so you, the buyer, now exactly what "as is" means. These homes aren't being sold free of defects, only with any defects left unrepaired. Many states require the seller to disclose known defects or other conditions that could affect the value or salability of the home, but impose no further obligation.
MYTH # 5: If a home appears to be in good condition, an inspection isn't necessary.
Truth: A professional home inspection goes far beyond what the outward appearance of the home reveals to the buyer. And obvious defects often times have related issues that are not visible to the home buyer. The cost of repairing even minor items can far exceed the cost of a home inspection.
MYTH # 6: You don't need to have an inspection for a newly built home.
Truth: This could be one of the costliest myths of all. A recent Consumer Reports Investigation founds 15 percent of new homes sold had serious defects, and studies suggest things are getting worse. In another study, 41 percent of the homes examined, constructed by various builders, revealed problems such as mold and moisture, and 34 percent had frame and structural problems.
Home inspectors conduct a visual inspection of all elements of a home and check items such as the water heater and built-in appliances, building a foundation of knowledge about the home and its systems.
LAURA KAISER
AMERICAN DREAM CRUISES INDEPENDENT AGENT
"Helping Clients Chart Success by Shifting Into Cruise Control"
CONCIERGE PARTNERS
As a full service company, Coldwell Banker Barbara Sue Seal Properties is committed to making your life easier. In order to provide you with the help you need before, during, and after you sell your home, we have partnered with local companies who can help you every step of the way. Whether it is home repair, landscaping assistance, cleaning services, or moving and storage, the Concierge program will put you in touch with a variety of pre-screened, quality providers. Our seamless service allows us to take care of the details while you focus on the important things in your life.
As our client, you are entitled to special rates, discounts, and privileges not available anywhere else. Removing the uncertainty of finding quality services for your home is our obligation to you that no other real estate firm can provide.
MOVING AND STORAGE
Lile North American
(800) 833-3510 / (503) 691-3500
MOOV LLC
West (503) 629-7190 East (503) 492-1806
Vancouver (360) 694-3433
CLEANING SERVICE
MOLLY MAIDS
Portland (503) 380-4490
Vancouver (360) 258-4499
VACCUUM SYSTEMS
Gary's Vacuflo
Portland (503) 775-2042
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