Are you ready to purchase your next (or first!) Northern Michigan home? We strongly encourage our buyers to think about purchasing home inspections.

Getting Started

After you’ve toured through several homes and have thoughtfully decided to write an offer, one of the first things your agent will talk to you about is the choice to have a home inspection.

In the recent pandemic market, lots of buyers were declining home inspections with the thinking that their offers would be more appealing. While this may have been the case, choosing against a home inspection could be unwise.

Why Choose A Home Inspection (or Why Not)

Home inspections offer buyers a thorough look at the home they wish to purchase (beyond the initial walkthrough). Using a licensed inspector, buyers can learn things about a home that may want them to “walk away” from a deal or put their minds at ease about potential issues.

Purchase agreements typically have default language regarding “Property Inspections”. This language allows buyers an opportunity to inspect a home or property within ___ “so many” days after an agreement is reached. It also allows a buyer the opportunity to waive their desire to have an inspection.

Should Buyers Attend Home Inspections?

Buyers do not have to be present for the home inspection but it is a good idea for them to be. Going to the home inspection for at least a part of it allows the buyer an opportunity to ask questions they wouldn’t otherwise know to ask.

What to Expect

Inspections typically take several hours and look at plumbing, electrical, roofing, and the foundation. Northern Michigan homes most typically have a well and can have either septic or sewer. (Though homes in Petoskey and Harbor Springs, have city water.) Inspecting for septic and wells typically comes with an additional fee. Some lenders (especially when loaning Rural Development funds) require the septic to be marked, inspectors will also do this for an added fee.

All told home inspections will cost typically not more than $1000 but the cost depends on add-ons (radon, lead-based paint, water quality, mold, etc.) and the square footage of a home.

Part of the cost of a home inspection almost always includes a professional report. Inspectors will email your nicely organized inspection report including photos and a summary of potential issues. Most often, those reports are sent on the same day as the inspection. Sometimes inspectors will even recommend a cost to repair those items.

Sample Home Inspection Report

View a sample home inspection report provided by Big Moose Home Inspections just for you!

Downloadable sample home inspection report

Will You Purchase a Home Inspection?

Buying a home has the potential to be the single largest investment you’ll ever make. So you want to be sure you’re getting what you’re paying for. An inspection is one of the best ways to ensure that happens. Ask your Coldwell Banker Fairbairn Realty agent for more information on home inspections.

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Visit us at www.FairbairnRealty.com and search for your next home!

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