Home inspections are part of the real estate process when purchasing a house in Locust Grove.  The home inspection provides buyers with an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the condition of a home.  It is up to the buyer to determine the type of home inspection that will take place because even properties that are being sold as-is can still be inspected. 

What is a home inspection?

A home inspection is a review of a home’s condition performed by an independent certified home inspector.  It usually takes at least two hours to complete; however, depending on the size of the house in Locust Grove, the inspection can take longer.  The buyers pay for the inspection.

The home inspector looks at the systems in the house, identifies any potential issues, and completes a report that outlines the findings. The buyers can use this report to negotiate repairs with the seller, determine what repairs they want to make, or decide that the home is not the one for them.

Home Inspection Options

No Home Inspection

When completing a contract, buyers designate whether they would like to complete a home inspection or not.  While there is nothing legally obligating a buyer to complete an inspection, it is always wise to have one completed.

In some cases, buyers decide to go forward with the purchase of a house in Locust Grove without a home inspection.  This may be to make their offers more appealing in a competitive market, it is a new construction property, or the buyers are planning to demolish the home.

When buyers take this path, they are assuming full responsibility for the condition of the home.

Home Inspection Contingency Clause

Written into the home purchase contract, the home inspection contingency clause designates the number of days that the buyers have to complete the home inspection.  It is usually somewhere between seven to fourteen days after the ratified contract is signed.  Since buyers and sellers can negotiate on any repairs that the house in Locust Grove needs, completing the home inspection soon after signing the contract gives more time for the repairs to be completed.

If the buyers and sellers cannot agree upon a list of repairs (even with a home inspection a seller is not obligated to make any repair), then the buyers can exit the contract.  Likewise, if an issue with the home is discovered that is beyond what the buyers were expecting (for example, the foundation is in need of repair), the buyers can exit the contract.

This is the most common method of home inspection that I see utilized when purchasing a house in Locust Grove.

Home Inspection for Informational Purposes Only

Sellers may list a house in Locust Grove as being sold as-is.  This indicates to buyers that the sellers are not willing or unable to make any repairs to the property.  However, this does not mean that the buyers have to purchase the home without further investigating its condition.  A home inspection for informational purposes only allows the buyers to complete an inspection inspection knowing that the seller is not going to repair any issues.  After the home inspection report is received, the buyers have an opportunity to look at the report and determine if they still want to move forward with the purchase.

When you ready to start your search for a house in Locust Grove or the surrounding area, I am here to help. Whether you just need some information, want to see a property, or are ready to learn more about selling your home I can be a resource for you. Contact me to chat about your real estate goals.