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Shopping for a home


Blog by Kim Learn | January 6th, 2009


You shop for a home. You find one you like. You make an offer

— conditional on a satisfactory home inspection.

Okay so far.

Then the inspector discovers a problem with the home that may

require an expensive repair or renovation. Perhaps the frame in

the front door is cracked; or there’s a leak in the roof; or the

furnace is due to be replaced.

What do you do?

You don’t want to pass up an opportunity to purchase what

could be your dream home. On the other hand, you don’t want

to have to deal with potentially costly repairs.

First, keep in mind that you did the right thing.

It’s always a good idea to get a home inspected by a

professional before the offer is finalized. A qualified home

inspector will go over the property with a fine tooth comb, top

to bottom, inside and out, inspecting the structure, electrical

systems, HVAC systems and more.

It’s their job to find any deficiencies in the home and alert you

to them.

If a deficiency is found, your next best step is to discuss the

issue with your REALTOR
®,
and go over your options. Those

options may include amending the offer price to cover some or

all of the costs of the repair, or requiring the seller to get the

repair done before you move in.

Don’t worry. This is a normal part of the negotiation process.

Chances are, an agreement can be reached that is satisfactory

to both parties — and gets you the house you want!

And, because you had a home inspection done, you’ll know

the true condition of your home when you buy it. That’s peace

of mind.

Need more tips on finding your dream home? Call today!