Here are few good reasons to have us do your Professional Home Inspection:
- You want to know if there are any readily-accessible defects or safety concerns.
- You want to confirm claims made by advertisements, Sellers or Agents about the subject.
- You want to enjoy your new home, not hate it, or have to pour unexpected money into it.
- Most folks don't have "money to burn", and care about protecting their investment.
- You want to get your best deal- Even in "AS-IS" purchases.
- You may not have the skills, experience, or objectivity to see the real problems.
- You want your family, and visitors to be as safe as possible.
- You are interested in learning as much as possible about your selection.
- You don't want to end up with a problem home you might have difficulty selling later.
- Your Agent (like most these days) will encourage it, and for good reason. If you don't elect to have it
done, you'll most likely be required to sign a waiver. Think about it!
Wouldn't it be just wonderful if:
- Homes were always advertised accurately and honesty.
- MLS listings would always show the correct year built- not the "effective year built" which is not the year
built; this can make the home look deceptively much newer than it really is.
- Sellers disclosures were complete, current and actually accurate.
- Realtors who have knowledge of problems outside the written disclosure always disclosed it.
- Sellers and Realtors always disclosed (without having to ask) when previous home inspections have
been performed.
- A certain mindset of Realtors did not badmouth or withhold the names of highly qualified home
inspectors (who are known to be through and accurate), because they don't want ANYONE "killing their deal". Sadly, this is epidemic on Oahu.
- Sellers properly updated disclosures after Inspections, when deals fall through.
- Homes were always well built, with quality materials, and were properly maintained.
- Homeowners, contractors and sub-contractors didn't rush or cut corners during projects.
- New construction, additions and renovations were always fully permitted where required, and were
actually inspected by Municipal Inspectors for code compliance.
- Everyone could be trusted.
- MLS listings would show net living area as per tax records, not have all the other areas added in as we
see far too often.
- Tax records were updated more often, to reflect changes, additions, etc.
- Realtors showed CURRENT year assessed values- not last years. In this market, those 2008 values
are ancient history and usually much lower than 2009 due to a declining market.
- Hawaii had regulation in place for home inspectors.
As you've probably guessed, the above is a fantasy at best. Obviously, I look at lot of homes and condominiums, both new and existing. Only on rare occasion have I seen a Sellers disclosure that accurately depicted the subject. Most new custom homes that I've inspected have had numerous defects. Regarding homes advertised as "Excellent condition" "Newly renovated" or "Renovated to perfection", these are often the worst. Several I've viewed have exhibited poor quality, and serious electrical, safety or structural issues.
Let's face it, if you don't take steps to protect your interests, you may encounter the unexpected, or major disappointment. It is not my interest to scare anyone into an inspection; it is to simply emphasize the importance of having it done based on considerable real world experience.
I believe IT IS ALWAYS A BUYERS MARKET. Why? Because smart Buyers protect themselves by education, and researching major purchases thoroughly first. They entrust those with experience in areas where they do not have the experience themselves. They don't pay top dollar for something that needs thousands of dollars in immediate repairs. Simply put, Smart buyers have a plan and are not influenced by market or other pressures, and only buy when they have found the best suited situation for them. They stay in charge, and have Home Inspections performed. They know a Home Inspection is not a warranty, but having it done just might prevent disaster. They know a Professional Home Inspection is money well spent.
We help Buyers everyday get an accurate, clear picture of what they are considering. Our Report is highly professional, and helps folks decide on an informed basis if the home or condominium is right for them. It may also help them steer clear of someone else's problem.
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