Real Estate Buyers Guide

A real estate buyer’s guide is one of the most important things in the market. If you want to buy or sell the house, you must not do it blindly. It is not gambling because you must have complete research and knowledge of the market. After all, knowledge is a power that will help you make wise investment decisions. The buyer’s guide includes home inspection and other legal documentation that should be analyzed and fulfilled for future purposes. 

Home Inspection 

Before buying a house or property, you must follow the buyer’s guide to home inspection. A home inspection is a process in which you check the home’s condition before buying to keep yourself safe from future liabilities. It helps in price negotiation and increases your information about the property. 

Why Get a Home Inspection?

Buying a home is one of the most significant investments you will ever make. To make a wise investment, you should learn as much as you can about the property’s condition and repair needs. A home inspection provides important information about the home’s structure, safety, potential repair costs, and ongoing maintenance requirements. 

Hire an Inspector 

If you don’t have enough time to follow the real estate buyers guide, you must hire an inspector who will help you complete your task. You must consult a real estate company; they can give you a few trustworthy names in the field. Inspector has more knowledge and experience than a commoner. He can prepare a Home inspection checklist for buyers’ reports for you to help the cause.

Home Inspection Checklist for Buyers 

It would help if you prepared a checklist before buying a home. You must start from major things such as the house’s exterior and then move towards minor things such as lights or plumbing.  

Check Foundation 

Foundation is the main thing to check because everything is built on a foundation. If it is weak, the whole property is not worth buying. If anything happens, such as an earthquake, the foundation must be strong to bear that. 

Examine Exterior 

The first thing that people see in a house is its outer look. The exterior must be fine and in good condition. If the exterior is fine, tick the box in the checklist and move towards the interior. 

Interior of House 

The interior of the house includes windows, doors, or walls. You must keep the following points in mind. 

• Doors are in good condition 
• Windows are not broken 
• The ceiling must be fine 
• Walls should not be strained 

Go to Garden 

There are houses which contain gardens. They always have a positive impact on the visitors. Check the garden thoroughly. You must also take a look at walkways. 

Check the Plumbing 

The most important aspect of in-home inspection is plumbing. Most people are unaware of this and don’t know how to check plumbing. Let’s go through the points that will help us understand that. 

• Is there a constant flow of water in the pipes?  
• Is there adequate airflow in every room of the house?  
• Is the air conditioning working properly?  
• Are the gas connections secure and functional? 
• Are the pipes in good working order? 
• Are your pipes rusted or broken?  
• Is the water pump in good working order?  

If you feel any smell or any leakage, you must note that and write that down. 

Check the Roof 

See the condition of the roof if it is good enough to bear the heavy rains or not. Most ceiling roofs start leaking after rain, or there is an issue of tiles; you must keenly observe that. 

Electrical Appliances 

Operate all electrical appliances while doing a home inspection. Check the exterior lights or bulbs. Go into the bedrooms and notice the electrical appliances one by one. It is time-consuming, but you have to do it if you don’t want any loss. 

Wood 

Wood damage is common due to insects. You can find these issues in furniture or the exterior of the house. 

Exposed Wiring 

Exposed wiring is a telltale sign that it is difficult to live in a place where there is always a danger. This sign needs your attention. 

Insulation 

You must see if the house has enough insulation to keep the heat out in the summer and the cold out in the winter. 

Due Diligence 

Due diligence is a condition you include in your intent-to-purchase agreement with the seller that makes your purchase conditional on its satisfaction. A home inspection should be part of your due diligence when buying a home. 

Use a Report 

You can use a report and tell the seller about issues. It will help you in deciding the price of the house. If there are major issues, you must reconsider your decision. 

Things to Keep in Mind 

Whenever buying a house, keep following things into consideration. 

• Get a Mortgage 
• Find a right real estate agent 
• Start searching for your dream house 
• Get a home inspection 
• Do your research 
• Check the price range 
• Go through legal documentation 
• Close the sale