Important Questions To Ask Your Home Inspector

You know when you are buying a home, that you will need a home inspection.  But when it comes time to read the inspection report you feel like you need a translator!  Here are a few important questions you should definitely ask your home inspector to help you understand the inspection report before closing the deal.

1.  Clarify what is truly bad.  Have the inspector tell you exactly what is really bad, what will need to be fixed right away and what can wait.  Also,  have him let you know what he put in the report that he just wanted to let you know about, but was not a necessary repair.  This is important because the inspector may have something noted under the category "Health & Safety Hazards" and all it is a small plumbing issue that would only cost a few dollars to fix.  So it is important to clarify everything.

2   How hard is that to fix?  You should ask the inspector how something should be fixed and they will usually be more than happy to explain to you how easy the repair is to do yourself.  If it is not a simple fix, they may have someone they can refer to you to have the repair done professionally.  Additionally, they can also tell you about how much the repair should cost, whether you do the repair yourself or have it done professionally.  This information can be invaluable when you are not sure about a particular repair.

3.  If it were you, what would you do?  Ask the home inspector what they think you should have fixed or not fixed, whatever the case may be.  It is the home inspectors job to point out every little thing in their report.  That's what you are paying them for remember.  So find out what is and isn't a necessary fix.

4.  Get clarification on anything you don't understand.  Sometimes the inspection report contains a term or a repair that you have no clue what they are referring to.  Ask the inspector to show you each and every item on the report that does not make sense.  It is going to be your new home for years to come and you need to understand everything about it.

5.  How does that work?  There will inevitably be one or maybe several mechanical systems that you don't know how to work.  Most home inspectors would be more than happy to show you how to operate everything.  But you have to ask.  So go through the entire house and make a list of everything you think you may need help with - then ask.

The home inspection is one of the most important things you will be doing when buying a new home.  Finding out any major defects etc. could keep you from buying a money pit or could help you to renegotiate the deal if many repairs are needed.  Get your realtor involved in the process.  Your agent sees hundreds of homes every year and you might be quite surprised at what they can point out before you even begin the inspection process.

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   www.facebook.com/LoudounCountyConnect  www.twitter.com/ExitAshburn  www.Linkedin.com/in/HelenaTalbot