Home Inspection Tips for New Home Buyers

Buying a home for the first time is equal parts exciting and stressful. Once you find the home you want, there are so many things to think about and do. One of the most important things to do is have a home inspection done. You want to make sure there are no major problems with the home before you buy it. A professional home inspector knows what to look for and will pinpoint any existing or potential issues the home may have. Do some research and find your own reliable home inspector as soon as you start looking at homes for sale in Greensboro, NC.

  1. Do your own inspection first. Take a good walk through the home and look from floor to ceiling, inside and outside, looking for any red flags such as discoloration or cracks in ceilings, walls, or floors. Check the roof as well as you can from the ground, looking for missing shingles, dark spots, or indentations. Run water in sinks and tubs and make sure water pressure is good and there are no slow drains. If you have any specific concerns after your own inspection, be sure to ask the home inspector to give these areas special consideration.
  2. Be there during the inspection. It’s always wise to be there in person while the inspector is checking over the home. You get the opportunity to speak directly to the inspector who can point out any areas of concern so that you can see them firsthand.
  3. Ask questions. Prepare your questions before the inspection. Write them down so that you won’t forget any important items. If you have additional questions during the inspection, don’t be afraid to ask. Buying a home is a huge financial undertaking and you want to be absolutely sure you are making a wise decision.
  4. Take pictures. Professional inspectors typically take pictures of any problem areas, but it’s a good idea to take your own pictures as well. Having proof of the condition of the home is important when it comes to negotiating purchase price and requesting that the seller make any improvements.
  5. Take note of any suspicious cosmetic repairs. Fresh paint on just one wall or part of the ceiling? New floor boards in a certain area? These are red flags that the current owner might be trying to cover something up, such as water damage or other issues. A fresh coat of paint or new flooring throughout the home or even a whole room is more likely typical sprucing up that a seller would do to make the home look nicer for sale.

Find Homes for Sale in Greensboro, NC with Smith Marketing

If you’re thinking of starting the process of looking for homes for sale in Greensboro, NC, contact Smith Marketing. The database of available homes is extensive, up to date, and easy to search. Your Realtor will take the time to get to know you and what you’re looking for in a home to help you find the right one. Call (336) 215-7880 to get started on the process of finding your new home.