Buying a home is one of the most important purchases you will make in your life, so protect yourself by making sure that the home you want to buy is in good condition. A home inspection is an evaluation of a home's condition by a trained expert. During a home inspection, a qualified inspector takes an in-depth and fair look at the property you plan to buy.
The inspector will:
- Evaluate the physical condition: the structure, construction and mechanical systems
- Find and list items that should be repaired or replaced
- Estimate the remaining useful life of major systems (such as electrical, plumbing, heating, air conditioning), equipment, structure and finishes
The home inspector does not estimate the value of the house.
After the inspection is complete, you will receive a written report of the home inspector's findings, usually within five to seven days.
Home inspections are not appraisals. A property appraisal provides an estimate of a property's market value. Lenders require appraisals on properties before loan approval because they do not want to loan more than the property is worth. Appraisals benefit lenders; home inspections benefit buyers. The FHA requires lenders to obtain appraisals of properties backing FHA-insured loans.
The FHA requires appraisals for three reasons:
- To estimate the market value of the property
- To make sure that the property meets FHA minimum property requirements/standards (health and safety)
- To make sure that the property is or easy to resell.
The appraisal will note problems that are easy to see with the property and non-compliance with HUD's minimum property requirements/standards. These problems may not be the same as those items noted in a home inspection report.
The FHA does not guarantee the value or condition of your future home, and the FHA does not perform home inspections. If you find problems with your new home after closing, FHA cannot give or lend you money for repairs, nor can it buy the home back from you. It cannot help you with the builder or seller. - Part 2 Will Be Posted On March 27
