Common Myths & Realties About Home Inspections – Part Five - CREIA

CREIA Explains Common Myths & Realties About Home Inspections – Part Five

September 2006 (Palm Springs, Calif.) - In an ongoing series during its 30th anniversary year, the California Real Estate Inspection Association (CREIA) cautions home buyers and sellers, as well as all individuals involved in real estate transactions, that there are myths and misconceptions associated with retaining the services of a professional home inspector.

Myth: A “walk through” at closing is the same as a home inspection.
REALITY: Home buyers should not confuse a final “walk through” with a home inspection performed to a recognized standard of practice. As opposed to a home inspection, a buyer’s "walk through" inspection should take place just a few days prior to escrow closing, while a professional home inspection may be done many weeks or even months before the close of a transaction.

A “walk through” provides an opportunity for the buyer to verify that anything the home inspector recommended and the seller agreed to do was actually done. It also is a time for the buyer to make sure nothing else has changed since the original offer was made, and a full inspection conducted. A “walk through” is not a substitute for a professional home inspection.

A professional inspector is a third party objective and independent investigator who visually inspects and reports on the condition of a home. As a trained generalist, he or she identifies and examines the major systems and multitude of components of the dwelling. The inspector investigates the condition of the building and systematically operates or tests plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling systems and components of the home. In their work, the home inspector is addressing health and safety issues, and may make recommendations on repair options and maintenance.

Myth: If you are not buying or selling a home, you don’t need an inspection.
REALITY: Homeowners should consider having their homes inspected on an annual basis. It is important for both the safety of occupants and for the value of the home that homeowners be informed on the status of their dwelling’s systems and components. A home that has not been recently inspected may have undiscovered, minor or major maintenance items that could lead to a significant financial expense to correct or replace if not discovered. Constant upkeep not only makes a home more livable, but also makes it less expensive to repair when the time comes to sell.

Because of the wide range of seasonal climates, unusual weather and seismic occurrences, a professional home inspection can help provide a wealth of information to a homeowner anxious to ensure that their valuable home is well maintained. In addition to market value, health and safety of the family are the primary reasons for an annual checkup. An annual professional inspection report would serve as a reminder of maintenance upkeep and provide a record of what services have been done. If minor problems are noted on the report, the homeowner has the opportunity to fix them before they develop into a major expense.

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The California Real Estate Inspection Association (CREIA) cautions home buyers and sellers, as well as all individuals involved in real estate transactions, that there are there myths and misconceptions associated with retaining the services of professional home inspector.

> Part One Myths:
- You only need a general contractor to do a home inspection.
- A termite inspection is all you need to know about a home you’re buying.

> Part Two Myths:
- All home inspectors’ credentials are the same, as long as they are certified.
- An inspection report isn’t needed as long as a qualified person just tells you about the property.

> Part Three Myths:
- The inspection report is a seller’s repair list.
- A home for sale “As-Is” does not need an inspection.

> Part Four Myths:
- A newly constructed home does not need an inspection.
- An inspection is not needed as long as an appraiser has viewed the property.

> Part Five Myths:
- A “walk through” at closing is the same as a home inspection.
- If you are not buying or selling a home, you don’t need an inspection.

> Part Six Myths:
- You don’t need to present at an inspection.
- You should always hire the inspector recommended by your REALTOR®.
- You don’t need a professional inspector when you can do it yourself.
- All inspector organizations are the same.

> Part Seven Myths:
- A home seller doesn’t need to prepare for an inspection.
- Inspectors are all the same, so hire the lowest priced one.