Blog & Tips

Here are some helpful tips that will help you in the future.
 

• Ask for a floor plan, if available
• Ask for a copy of the building / electrical and mechanical permits. If there were any problems, ask for documentation that the problems have been solved.
• Ask, if there are any additions, which would require a permit
• If there is a septic system, ask for the permit and the drawing with the exact location of the tank and the drain field. Ask when the septic was pumped the last time and by whom.
• If there is a private well on the property, ask for the documentations, permits and water test results
• Ask the seller to provide you with a drawing that shows the exact location of all underground electric wires, water lines, sewer lines, underground fuel tanks and fuel lines. This is very important in case there is no basement or crawlspace and the lines are underneath a concrete slab.
• Ask for a list of all contractors who’ve been involved to build the house or been involved in major repairs, like “roof is 5 years old – was installed by roofer ……, the shingles are Owens Cornings …..”
• Ask the seller to mark the property lines
• Ask the seller when the HVAC or any heating units were serviced the last time and by whom.
• Get any documentations, which are necessary for possible warranty claims for any components or materials used.
• If the home is located within a gated community or HOA ask for a copy of the covenants and a statement that there are no violations against the covenants.

 

Every home is different; therefore, this list is just a recommendation, some documents won’t be available and in some cases additional documents should be requested. 

We at Home Inspection Tennessee know that the Corona Virus is a serious bump. However, life will go on, and changes should be adopted.
Finding your new home should start with doing your homework before you go out and physically look at the listings.
In general, the Realtor websites don’t give you too much information and are very one-sided - of course, they usually work for the seller.
Check out public information, here in TN you can go to assessment.cot.tn.gov/RE_Assessment/
You get information about the value on which the property tax is based. You even can check the approx. property lines. Don’t just focus on one house, pick out three or four. Then ask the Realtor for more information, like

• is the home already inspected?
• the complete disclosure etc.
• the HVAC and water heater model and serial numbers, with them you can check the age and size online, and see if they should be replaced.

 
You shouldn’t sign a contract or offer without knowing what you get.
 
I don’t care what they tell you. Would you make a down payment for a car before you can test drive it? Nobody would. So why should you pay huge down payments without knowing what you get?
 
In some cases, they will tell you “the owner doesn’t know”. Well, if he doesn’t know what he’s selling, how did they figure out the price?
Especially during these hard times, you should have all information together before you visit a potential object, and if necessary – hire a home inspector to fill in the blanks.
 
Unfortunately, these days the buyer is stuck with the costs for the home inspection, even if the actual condition of the advertised home is totally different than the listing. We see it all the time that buyers end up paying for several inspections.
 
Just tell the Realtor that you want all information before you spend your money and time. I’m sure they understand your concerns and help you to stay safe during the virus situation.
 
Also, if you hire a home inspector, provide as much information as you can, like – it must be wheel chair accessible, if you have allergies, or indoor pets. A good home inspector will report on the situation he finds and address your concerns.
 
This is what we at Home Inspection Tennessee always did. We are here to assist you, we will report what we find, regardless if they like us or not. And yes, we will be more than happy to inspect your new dream home. We are highly qualified, affordable, available, and accurate.
 
A recommended checklist for home buyers will be added tomorrow, stay tuned.