Why Home Inspections Are Your Best Investment in Today's Market

By Dana Monson

My team and I are expert real estate agents with Keller Williams in Marysville, WA and serve the greater Puget Sound area, providing home-buyers and sellers with professional, responsive, and attentive real estate services since 2004. Want an agent who'll really listen to what you want in a home? Need an agent who knows how to effectively market your home so it sells? Give us a call! We are eager to help and would love to talk to you.

In today’s highly competitive real estate market, the value of home inspections cannot be overstated. We recently had the pleasure of discussing this critical topic with Darren Card from CTI Inspection Service. Our conversation shed light on some common misconceptions about who benefits from home inspections and why they are indispensable, whether you’re buying or selling.

Many assume that home inspections are only for buyers in the process of purchasing a home. However, Darren highlighted that sellers also frequently utilize inspections to proactively identify any potential issues that could hinder a sale. This preemptive approach not only helps in smoothing the selling process but also enhances transparency during negotiations.

Interestingly, Darren mentioned an emerging trend where buyers opt to conduct home inspections before even making an offer. This strategy is particularly advantageous in aggressive markets, allowing buyers to eliminate contingencies from their offers, thereby making them more attractive to sellers. It demonstrates serious commitment and can provide buyers with a competitive edge.

Despite some buyers waiving the right to an inspection to strengthen their offers, we agree on the importance of conducting a post-purchase inspection. This step is crucial for understanding what you’ve bought and avoiding unpleasant surprises down the road. For instance, Darren shared an example where a seemingly minor oversight in a roofing installation led to significant water damage costing over $20,000 in repairs.

For those planning to invest in a home inspection, Darren provided some pricing guidelines to help with budgeting. The cost typically ranges from $350 to $550, depending on the property size and additional structures like detached garages. This investment is a small price to pay for the peace of mind and potential savings on future repairs.

Whether you are a buyer eager to secure your dream home or a seller aiming to facilitate a smooth transaction, the insights from a professional home inspector are invaluable. If you have more questions about home inspections or need assistance navigating this critical aspect of the home buying or selling process, feel free to reach out to Darren or me. We are here to ensure that you are well informed and prepared at every step of your real estate journey.