February 15, 2024 Shelton Mason County Journal | ![]() |
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uying a home involves sev—
eral variables that present
at various times throughout
buyers’ search for a home. Real es—
tate workers typically advise buyers
to receive a mortgage preapproval
prior to beginning their search for
a new home. Once such preliminary
measures have been taken care of,
buyers can then search for a home
and make an offer.
One of the more critical steps!
buyers can take when making an
offer is insisting that the offer is
contingent upon a home inspection.
Home inspections offer a measure
of protection that can save buyers
from investing in properties that
may look nice to the naked eye, but
feature a host of costly problems
beneath the surface. People new to
home buying may not know what
to expect of the inspection process.
In such instances. the following
rundown can shed light on home
inspections.
I Inspection may be mandatory.
Home inspections may be required
by mortgage lenders. Lenders want
to ensure borrowers can repay their
loans, which might prove difficult
if a home is in need of consider-
able repairs. That’s why home in—
spections tend to be mandated by
lenders, even ifthey’re paid for by
buyers. Estimates from HomeAdvi—
sor indicate home inspections cost
between $279 and $400 on aver~
age, but that cost is well worth the
peace of mind ofknowing you won’t
unknowingly be buying a money
pit. '
I You choose your own
inspector.
Buyers will
choose their
own home
inspector, so
it can pay
dividends to
start ask—
ing people
you trust
for recom-
mendations
even before
you begin
searching
for a new
home. Re~
altors also
may rec—
ommend
inspectors
they’ve
worked with
in the past.
The Inter—
national
ASsociation
of Certified
Home In—
spectors® (nachi.org) also can help
buyers find a home inspector.
I You can, and should, attend a
home inspection. lt’s wise for buy-
ers to attend a home inspection. Do-
ing so allows them to see potential
issues firsthand. Some seasoned
home inspectors prefer clients to at-
tend an inspection so they can point
out problems as they go through
the house and answer questions di-
rectly rather than later on over the
phone or by text or email. Though
inspectors typically will answer '
“Ellen has incredible customer service! She listens and does her
homework. She was
prompt with information and genuinely interested in finding the right
placefor us
when we were looking for a second home. We would recommend her highly!”
—— Jagavettc
“Ellen Holmes was great in everything she did for me. She kept me updated
on how
"I everything was going... Ifl had to do it all over again, would have
Ellen do itfln‘
me: Thank you!” -— Janice
- Are all the smart phones, computer apps, and docu-sign technology causing
you concern about starting the process of selling your home? I can help!
' Need to know what ybur home is worth? can help!
' Need a good repairman to get your home ready for sale? I can help!
Give me a call!
[B Your Helpful l‘slcighlmrhood Rattler l
:1: A: an
questions off-site, it’s easier for
buyer and inspector to discuss prob
lems in person on the day of the
inspection. And for buyers, this can
be a great way to become more in—
formed about home inspections.
I Expect to spend time at the
inspection, and not necessarily with
thesellers present. The National
Association of Realtors says in—
spections can take as long as three
hours, so this won’t be an in—and~
out excursion. Buyers don’t want to
rush the process, so block out am~
ple time to attend the inspection.
‘ronmosr
lNSURANCE GROUP
HARYFORD
Shelton Office
PO. Box L
Shelton, WA 98584
(360) 426-3317
Toll Free 1-888‘633-4848
Fo All You ome
insurance Needs
L Weprovideihome, auto, umbrella packages
and don’t forget about your boats and toys!
Arnold smith
INSURANCE
Serving Mason County Since 1972
0 Auto Insurance 0 Homeowners Renters
0 Business Commercial 0 Bonds 0 Individual Group Medical
0 Life Disability 0 IRAS Medical Plans
Visit us at our Website www.arno|dmithins.com
Sellers typically are not home dur—
ing an inspection, though it can
happen. Buyers who don’t want
sellers present can request that
they are not on the premises while
the inspection takes place. There
may not be anything to compel sell~
ers to be off—site, but it can’t hurt to
ask. .
Home inspections are a vital
component of home buying. It’s im—
perative that buyers take inspec-
tions seriously so they can feel con—
fident they are not investing in a
flawed property.
E
mnou or
EN-L’MCLAVV
wathl
:5 at» w)‘ w.
Belfair Office
P.O. Box 1837
Belfair, WA 98528
(360) 277-5300
Toll Free 1-888-633-4848
WINTER 2024 ESTATE HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDE — 7