Home Inspection
Home inspections provide a level of objectivity in evaluating a home. It is recommended that any home, even a new home, be inspected. Home inspectors play the role of the objective third party. Typically, home inspectors evaluate a property during the "option period" that is typically negotiated into a contract which provides the buyer the right to terminate the contract for any reason whatsoever. By having inspections performed during the option period, buyers have the opportunity to resolve any property condition issues with the seller of the property or to terminate the contract if a solution cannot be negotiated. A general Amarillo home inspection will cost between $325 to $475 and take a few hours; prices fluctuate slightly for surrounding areas. Even though Texas has no home inspection requirements, we highly recommend you have one performed. For a buyer, it provides an objective and realistic evaluation of the property's condition.
Important things to remember:
- Generally, inspections only check the condition of the home at the time of inspection and do not guarantee any condition beyond that point.
- Some special features on a home may not be included in the inspection such as swimming pools, in-ground sprinklers, out buildings, etc. unless specifically included in your agreement with the inspector.
- Other system-specific inspections may be recommended by the general inspector or your agent such as plumbing, heating/air conditioning, roof, structural, environmental, etc. Your Coldwell Banker agent will supply you with a list of licensed inspectors and system-specific inspectors
- It is important that buyers of a home attend the inspection with the inspector
- Inspectors will not necessarily catch every possible problem in a home.
- Even new homes need to be inspected.
- Inspectors should not recommend or bid on repair work; this is a conflict of interest.
A general inspector will:
- Describe what they are checking.
- Show you useful information such as where to shut off water or light a furnace.
- Give you a report in writing, typically with photographs.
General Property Inspectors are regulated by the Texas Real Estate Commission, so make sure you hire a licensed inspector.
Questions to ask of an inspection company:
- How long has the company been performing inspections?
- Does the company have Error and Omissions insurance?
- Will the company give a written and signed report?
- Does the company stand behind its report (give a guarantee)?
- Don't hesitate to ask for references from pervious home buyers.
For further information please contact us