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CREIA Explains Common Myths & Realties About Home Inspections – Part
Three
July 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: The inspection report is a seller’s
repair list.
REALITY: The purpose of a home inspection
is not to serve the seller with a repair list. The primary objective is to
know what you are buying before you buy it. All homes have defects; it's not
possible to acquire one that is perfect. What you want is a working knowledge
of significant defects before you close escrow. The inspector’s role
is not to identify a complete repair list for the home, nor is it the sellers
obligation to repair any problems discovered by the home inspector. Sellers
are not required to produce a flawless house. They have no such obligation
by law or by contract; most repairs are subject to negotiation between the
parties of a sale. Sellers make repairs as a matter of choice, not obligation;
to foster good will or to facilitate consummation of the sale. Sellers maintain
the legal right to refuse repair demands, except where requirements are set
forth by state law, local ordinance, or the real estate purchase contract
Myth: A home for sale “As-Is”
does not need an inspection.
REALITY: There are some misconceptions regarding
the so-called “As-Is” sale of real estate. When a seller states
they are selling the property “As-Is”, it does not relieve the seller
of certain responsibilities under California state laws relating to the sale
or transfer of ownership of real property. The seller is still required to
disclose all known material facts to a buyer by completing a “Real Estate
Transfer Disclosure Statement,” commonly referred to by the real estate
industry as a “TDS.” A property being sold “As-Is” is
really being sold “As-Is” as disclosed. A buyer should always obtain
an independent professional property inspection to be fully informed as to
the current condition of the property.
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.
