I always recommend getting an inspection done before buying a home. Our standard contracts provide for a certain number of days to complete these inspections after the offer is accepted. Inspectors do not find everything that may be wrong with the house, but they sure do find most things. If you are buying a re-sale home there is likely going to be some items in need of replacement or repair. Getting a good idea what those things are and determining if there is any major issues is the job for a experienced, professional, trained home inspector.
We have a large amount of REO(Bank-Owned) properties on our market, they provide even more reasons to get a home inspection as the following article expounds on.
Courtesy of Homeworks Home Inspection Services.
REO PROPERTIES:
As we move forward into 2012, we will continue to see REO (bank owned) properties available on the market. These properties present a great opportunity for home buyers to purchase a home at a great price! A professional, competent home inspection is essential for any buyer whether purchasing an REO property or not. Bank owned properties have often been vacant for extended periods of time and are typically sold AS IS! I have performed hundreds of inspections on REO properties in the past 2 years and become quite profficient at finding problems within homes. The problems I find vary from house to house, and whether the problems are typical and due to deferred maintenance or in some cases serious requiring expensive repair by a licensed contractor, make no mistake, no home is without need of at least some maintenance or repair and REO properties that have been sitting vacant for extended periods of time need to be inspected thoroughly!
CONDITIONS OFTEN FOUND IN REO PROPERTIES:
Moisture Issues:
Homes that are closed up sometimes undergo humid conditions for extended periods of time. Mold is occasionally found due to humid conditions and these conditions can sometimes be extensive. Once identified, however, mold and associated problems can usually be remediated and the underlying cause can be eliminated through proper clean up, repair and ventilation.
Leaks in Gaskets, Valves & Hoses:
Leaking valves, gaskets and appliances are often found during home inspections of bank owned houses that have been vacant for long periods of time. All appliances and plumbing fixtures include at least one valve, seal or gasket. Gaskets and seals dry out and loose their ability to properly seal resulting in leaks. Plumbing supply pipes are also susceptable to freeze damage over winter months if winterization does not occur or is done improperly or too late.
Vandalism:
Vacant properties are much more likely to be vandalized. Transients and even disgruntled homeowners often cause damage. Some of this damage is easily seen and other damage may not be visible and may go undiscovered unless a professional home inspection is conducted.
Infestation:
Vacant properties are often found to be inhabited by mice, insects, racoons, squirrels, cats, etc. Damaged or missing foundation vents typically provide access to these vermin or animals. The absence of human occupancy provides the conditions necessary for infestation to occur as these conditions would typically be detected early within a normally occupied home.
Blocked Sewer & Drain Lines:
Blocked sewer or drain lines are not uncommon within bank owned properties. Our inspections include a performance check of all plumbing fixtures and associated drains.
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