My name is "Inspector Tim" :-) I'm a Home Inspector in Palmdale CA and we've seen a lot of activity recently. I often get asked a few different questions. I'll try to put some helpful information out there to help buyers and investors along there merry way through the Real Estate purchase world! I am writing this in part because, sadly I ran across someone today that was known by my family
What can I do as an agent to help my buyers with the inspection process?
I realize that for many veterans it's a silly question, but why not put some info out there!
- You're pretty sure that an offer is going to be accepted for your latest foreclosure that your buyer has bid on.... Get the utilities turned on! Simple, and I'm sure that most do that. But unfortunately it doesn't always happen.
- When the inspection appointment is set up.. communicate! We can all (inspectors included no doubt) do a better job of firming up all the details.
- Attend the inspection! You had the initial trust with this transaction and have a lot of knowledge of this industry, that cant hurt.
As a buyer, what should I be looking for in an inspector?
- Depending on where you live there may be some minimum qualifications. At minimum an inspector should be certified. I'm certified by Nachi.org. Most certification organizations help all inspectors with education. Even though many of us have been doing this for years (i've been in for a decade and more), I don't and many other good inspectors don't want to fall into the "I've forgotten more than I know" category. Nachi has done an excellent job of providing inspectors a wealth of education. I think we've got some of the best out there!
- Experience... unfortunately, the amount of knowledge that it takes to do this job well is unbelievable. Combustion areas, make up vents, minimum clearances... structural issues, soil and grading issues and it could go on and on.
- Reports - This seems simple, but, I have found through a lot of feed back and such that one of the most important items to a customer is how well they can read and understand your report. As I'm a Home Inspector in Palmdale, and deal with a lot of people I revamped my report to make sure it's easy to understand right here Palmdale Inspection report. Take a look, please..
- How personable is your inspector? Home inspections and Real Estate professionals in general are a unique niche. You rely on us with your largest investments and it's a very personal relationship. It is imperative that you are able to communicate with your inspector and that he or she has good communication skills.
As an investor, do I have special needs?
- I think so, you are probably looking at more than one property... you may be looking to revamp, remodel and repair several homes. Do you need a home inspection on each one? Maybe, maybe not. Depending on the scope of work and purchases you are doing, I have come up with a unique way of helping investors. Your major concerns are usually "are the major components up to par?", "what am I looking at in costs to accomplish my goals?" For me this was EASY, I'm a general contractor and inspector. Investors often call me and take me to several properties in one shot.
- From me, investors receive a scope of work report, cost analysis and inspections... all for a reasonable hourly rate and generally much much less than the cost of 5 home inspections. What other inspectors can do that???
- If other inspectors are reading this, remember, giving estimates without a thorough background in construction is a recipe for disaster!
That's it for now!
Tim
Certified Home Inspecor
