What you need to know about home inspections

Between the contract, negotiations and inspections, buying a house can be A LOT to take in. And the due diligence period can be confusing for some buyers- especially first time home buyers. That is where a good REALTOR® comes in to help.  Today I am going to walk you through the process.

The due diligence period is the ten day period after a contract has been ratified. During this period you are expected to do your “due diligence” to ensure that the home is in acceptable condition. This includes having inspectors come out to access the home.

These inspections could include a home inspection, HVAC inspection, termite inspection, roof inspection, well/septic inspection, the list could go on and on. Ultimately it is up to you as to which inspections you would like to schedule. Keep in mind that generally you will be paying for these inspections as well, unless I am your awesome REALTOR® 😉

Once selected, the inspections will be completed and you will review the reports to see which repairs you would like to ask to be done. Your agent will then complete a repair addendum which you will sign. Please review this addendum to be sure that all repairs are listed. Once you have signed your agent will send this to the listing agent and the sellers will either agree to complete all items, complete some items or complete no items.

Once an agreement has been met the seller will sign the repair addendum and all items will need to be completed prior to closing, and by the date specified in the repair addendum.

To give you an idea of price ranges for inspections in the Columbia, SC area:

Home Inspections- Vary depending on size of home but generally range from $250-400

HVAC- range from $75-150

Termite Inspection- generally $75-150

Well/septic Inspection- generally $200-400

Hopefully this gives you a better idea of the due diligence period. Happy House Hunting!

Andrea Kelly- Lexington, SC REALTOR®, Andrea Kelly is a licensed REALTOR® specializing in the Lexington, Gilbert, and Batesburg-Leesville areas. She is a full service REALTOR® committed to providing excellent service to her clients.