Proudly serving the Borough’s and Beyond with honesty and integrity since 2003
www.judyboylecares.com
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508-561-7164
So, you’re lucky enough to have gotten your offer accepted on a house. Congratulations!
In a time when there are still multiple buyers competing for every new listing that comes to market, this is no easy feat. But getting that Offer to Purchase executed is just one hurdle to clear in the home buying obstacle course. The next hurdle is the home inspection, the apprehension for which can only be compared to that of the annual physical examination; we all know we need one, but we fear that the professional will find something that will force us to drop out of the race.
And while we are comparing the inspection to the physical, it will be helpful for you to know that the home inspector is much like a primary care physician. Both professionals have a general knowledge of their subject matter yet may not specialize in any one area. Just as our physician will check our blood pressure and listen to our heart and lungs, the home inspector will work through a check list of items as detailed in the Massachusetts Home Inspector Consumer Fact Sheet that is presented to every buyer when they write an offer. This document states: “The home inspection is a visual observation of readily accessible areas of the property and the major components of the home, including foundations, visual structural elements, walls, floors, ceilings, doors, windows, and roofing, as well as the heating, cooling, electrical, hot water, plumbing and sanitary systems. The purpose of the home inspection is to inform and educate the client about significant defects and concerns.” The key word above is “educate”.
After the home inspection, you will receive a written report which contains approximately thirty-five pages of ratings and recommendations. The size of the report is the same, regardless of the age of the property, and presents no reason to call a physician that specializes in cardiology. You are encouraged to review the report with an open mind and, with the guidance of your buyer agent, only be concerned with areas that potentially affect the safety or integrity of the property…if you want the deal to move forward.
For example, a double-tapped circuit breaker does not mean the house is going to burn down. Live wires hanging from the ceiling, however, present a safety hazard. Furthermore, a hairline settlement crack in the foundation is common and expected, whereas light shining through anything except a window or door is never a good thing and calls for further evaluation by a specialist in that particular field. And when a home inspector states that something (a roof, a furnace, a hot water heater etc.) is “nearing the end of its life expectancy” it should not be interpreted as “the seller must replace it now or reduce the price.” As the saying goes, “if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it”. Again, the house is yours until you say otherwise; jump the hurdle and keep going.
What the home inspection is NOT, is an automatic renegotiation tool. The Offer to Purchase is a binding contract and should be regarded as such. The seller took the house off the market for you so you could further educate yourself about your investment. If the house spoke to you when you first saw it, regardless of its condition, then you found your home. You beat out all the competition and the house is yours so push through and get to the finish line.
Boyle lives in Northborough where she is also a Chapter Leader of the Neighbor Brigade, a non-profit charitable organization that assists families in times of crisis. She has been a real estate agent since 2005 and is a member of the distinguished RE/MAX Hall of Fame. Boyle is also a Children’s Miracle Network “Miracle Agent” for her commitment to making a donation to Boston Children’s Hospital on behalf of every home buyer and seller she assists.
Boyle’s mission is to empower her clients to make smarter decisions through data-driven insights and local market knowledge. She invites you to call or email her for the Summer 2023 Home Buyer and/or Seller Guides or for a complimentary market analysis.
