One thing I consistently urge all my buyers to undertake before buying a home is a home inspection. There are a fair number of significant problems with homes that are undetectable to the untrained eye—and also require equipment and the proper tools to assess.
During my 24 year career as a Mississauga Real Estate Agent, I have witnessed many unforeseen problems with homes that wouldn’t have been exposed without the work of a diligent and credible home inspector. I recall one recent home inspection for one of my clients that revealed high moisture levels in the basement (i.e. water leakage that further revealed mold). There was another inspection for another Mississauga home buyer last week that insufficient venting. I have also known home inspections to identify faulty wiring, sub-par roofing, and believe it or not, a family of raccoons living in an old chimney. The list goes on.
My point is that home inspections are a must for practically anyone considering buying a home. (And you should attend the home inspection. In a bidding war, a purchaser might have to submit a condition free offer to enhance his/her chances of securing the property. I recommend a pre-inspection prior to submitting an offer. ) No one wants to be caught owning a property that beholds problems which dramatically lower its value. No one wants to be surprised. (A good home inspection will investigate, over the course of some two to four hours, every major and minor aspect of the home, including its electrical system, its furnace and air conditioning and vents, the plumbing, roofing, insulation, as well as the home’s structural integrity and more.) If significant deficiencies are identified before purchase time, the purchaser has the opportunity to renegotiate the price or ask the vendor to remedy the repairs identified. If there are serious concerns about the structural integrity of the home, the purchaser can void the transaction.
One thing every potential home owner should know is that anyone can call themselves a “home inspector,” but you should only use a registered home inspector to inspect your potential new property. (Only members of the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors, who have successfully completed the academics and experience requirement, are granted the R.H.I. designation.)
A good Mississauga real estate agent will be able to refer their clients to a quality home inspector whom they unequivocally trust. Using a reputable home inspector drastically lessens the risk of making a bad investment.
If you have any questions about home inspections, please contact me at 905-502-1500 .
Thank-you very much.