Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Helena Talbot's blog - What To Do If Your Home Inspection Comes Back With Serious Issues


So you have spent hour upon hour looking through home listings, previewed many homes and finally you have found one that you want to purchase.  That's great!  We know how excited you are about finally finding the home of your dreams.  But wait - there is still a process that has to be followed before you can actually close on your new home and get moved in and settled.

Part of the process is the home inspection.  It is very important that you do not bypass the home inspection process.  The home inspection can uncover major defects that you may not be able to see. 

In fact, there are some defects that could keep you from purchasing that property at all.

• if your chosen home sits on a fault line
• if the water supply is contaminated
• if there is a serious crack in the foundation
• if the home is located under electro-magnetic power lines
• if your chosen home is contaminated with radon gas

There are many things that can put a halt to your dreams.   All home inspections come back with defects on them, usually they only contain minor to cosmetic findings.  It is rare that a home inspection will come back with one of the above mentioned issues on them but it can and does happen.

So what should you do if your home inspection comes back with items that are unfavorable or cannot be changed?  Well, this is the tricky part, it depends on whether or not the defect can be resolved within reason or at all.

The first thing you should do if your home inspection comes back with a major defect on it - then you should ask yourself the following questions:

1.  Can the problem be fixed?
2.  How much will it cost to fix those problems?
3.  Does the problem have to be corrected now or can it wait a year or two?
4.  Is waiting to do the repair going to create a bigger repair later?
5.  Can I roll the repair costs into the mortgage loan?
6.  If not, will the bank approve the loan without the repairs being completed?
7.  Can these things be justified based on my desire for the home or should I bow out and find another home without the major defects and hassles that come with it?

If the home has defects that cannot be resolved, unfortunately, there is nothing you can do unless you pay cash and sometimes not even then.  Consult with your realtor to find out what your options are for any defects that are uncovered in the home inspection.  Your realtor will be able to assist you in helping to get the issues resolved or perhaps, in their opinion, it might just be better to search for another, more suitable home for you.

Either way, your realtor will be your best resource when it comes to a problematic home inspection report.  So take advantage of your agents years of experience in dealing with home inspection issues.

I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia. 
I have over 25 years experience in the real estate industry.  As a Broker/Owner with Exit Realty Talbot and Company, I bring special tools and solutions that enable me to exceed the expectations of my clientele.  If you are considering listing your property in Loudoun County or the nearby areas, ask me about our latest internet marketing systems.  I would appreciate the opportunity to earn your business.  I am experienced in listing and selling short sales.  For information on the short sale process, please visit  www.LoudounShortSaleSolutions.com.
My past awards and designations include – 2003 President of the Dulles Association of Realtors, 2003 Dulles Area Assoc Realtor of the Year, Salesperson of the year 2000 Dulles Area Assoc of Realtors,  Top Producer awards from both the Dulles Area Association and the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors.  I am a member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network.
I have lived in Loudoun County since 1979.  I am married with two grown children and two grandchildren.  My son in law is my business partner in real estate.  I love to jog in the mornings and spend time relaxing on my Trawler during the summer months.
Loudoun County and Northern Virginia Real Estate Sales and Solutions – Helena Talbot, Broker. I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in the Northern Virginia area to include Loudoun County and surrounding areas including Fairfax, Clarke, Fauquier, Prince William  Counties.  Our local neighborhoods include Leesburg, Ashburn, Sterling, Potomac Falls, Brambleton, Broadlands, Lansdowne, River Creek, Belmont Country Club, Beacon Hill, Shenstone, Waterford, Lovettsville, Purcellville, Hamilton, Round Hill and Bluemont.                        Cell 703.727.9885    Office 703.574.3800

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