Inspections are an essential component of the Due Diligence period during your Houston home buying
experience. The Due Diligence period is also known as your Option
Period or Termination Period. This period provides buyers with the unrestricted right
to terminate their contract. One major item to take care of during
this Due Diligence period is a residential real estate inspection.
Sometimes negatively referred to as “deal killers”, inspections are an
essential part of your discovery and negotiations. Inspection reports
should point out the various aspects of the property condition beyond
the more obvious visual evidence.
Different types of inspectors
- Professional Home Inspector
- Engineer/Forensic
- Wood Destroying Insect (WDI)/Termite
- Mold
- Stucco/EIFS
- Thermal Imaging/Energy Audits
- Well & Septic
- Swimming Pool
- Lead Based Paint
- Environmental/Phase
Selecting and Scheduling Inspectors
- Ask Questions
- Cost Estimate
- Who and When
Questions to Ask an Inspector
- How long have you been in business?
- How many inspections do you schedule a week?
- How long is your average inspection?
- How soon can I schedule my inspection?
- How fast can I get my report?
- What format do you send your report in?
- How many pages is your average report?
- What areas do you service or are most familiar with?
- What is included in the price you quoted?
- Are there any discounts available?
- How many inspectors work with you?
- Do you carry insurance?
- Do you have a Supra access key?
Property Inspection Reports
- Checklist (lease informative)
- Narrative Report
- Combination of both including COLOR pictures of property and defects
Rules and Standards of practice required of Inspectors
- Texas Administrative Code – Title 22 – Part 23 – Chapter 535 – Subchapter R – Section 535.206 – Section 535.233
Recommended forms pertaining to Property Condition that could be added to contract
- For Your Protection Get A Home Inspection (TAR 1928)
- Inspector Information (TAR 2506)
- Texas Real Estate Consumer Notice Concerning Hazards and Deficiencies (TREC OP-1)
- Environmental Assessment, Threatened or Endangered Species, and Wetlands Amendment (TAR 1917)
- Broker Notice to Buyer/Tenant (HAR 410)
- General Information and Notice to a Buyer (TAR 1506)
- Information About Property Insurance for a Buyer or Seller (TAR 2508)
- Information About Special Flood Hazard Areas (TAR 1414)
- Protecting Your Home From Mold (TAR 2507)
- Notice of Information From Other Sources (TAR 2502)
Standard Property Inspection Report and Other Property Inspection Forms
Getting what you pay for
Remember
the saying...."you get what you pay for"? I find it to be very true
with residential home inspections in Houston. A very basic inspection
is about 6 pages long using the promulgated forms provided by TREC. Inspection
reports in Houston range about $250 to $500 for residential properties
under 3000 sq. ft. homes. A less detailed inspection report may save
you some money but may cost you later in unreported items that could
have easily been reflected on a more thorough report. I ask buyers to insist their reports be in full color (NO FAXES) and in PDF format. I
enjoy receiving 30-40 page reports to review with buyers that detail
condition of the property and the inspector’s professional observations. A great inspection report allows buyers to negotiate (unless foreclosure/REO) repairs or receive seller contribution towards buyer’s closing costs.
Let me show you the way...
I
understand that finding your new home is just one of the tasks that
face you when you're purchasing a new house. I can assist you in the
home buying process which includes offer negotiations, assisting in the
inspection and negotiations process after inspections. Beat other home
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Sincerely,
Diego E. Jaramillo
Realtor, ABR, e-Pro
Keller Williams Houston Metropolitan
Tel: 713-980-5115
Online at www.HoustonHeritage.com
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