At the height of the real estate boom just over a decade ago, the market has become so competitive that some buyers opted against a professional home inspection contingency. Without a home inspection, those buyers assumed the risk that problems with the home become theirs once they became the owners, along with the expense of making those repairs. Therefore, it is important to request a professional home inspection and to know what to look for during the inspection.
Why The Buyer Should Insist On A Home Inspection
When a buyer makes the sales contract contingent on the home passing a professional home inspection, the buyer has built in a number of options. The buyer can 1) require the seller to take care of the issue at the seller’s expense; 2) proceed with the sale anyway and accept the responsibility for the repair after title passes to the buyer; 2) ask the seller to lower the sales price to reflect the expense of repair; or 3) back out of the sale completely.
Nowadays, most lenders and home insurance companies require a professional home inspection, but not always. Buyers who opt out of a home inspection do so at their own risk.
What You Need To Look For In A Home Inspection
First, a buyer should hire an independent, licensed, professional home inspector. In Virginia, a home inspector must complete a certain amount of pre-licensing training and pass an exam. Make sure that your inspector is a licensed professional, not just someone recommended by your real estate agent. Ideally, you will accompany the home inspector during the inspection and ask questions as problems are spotted.
The purpose of the home inspection is to help the buyer identify observable problems with the house, suggest possible fixes, and prepare a written report, usually with photos, noting the inspector’s observations. Here are some of the most important features they should evaluate:
The Condition Of The Roofing
Any defects in the roof should be noted. The inspector may spot loose shingles, missing flashing, loose or missing gutters, and rotting fascia, all of which can cause leaks. Inside, water stains on the attic ceiling or stains around chimneys and skylights are signs of leaking that should be explored in more depth.
The Age & Condition Of The Wiring & Electric System
Inspectors will check if the wiring and electrical panels are in good shape and up to applicable building codes. They will test all light switches and the HVAC system to ensure it is all working properly, and they will identify any issues that should be corrected. In the kitchen, the age and condition of appliances will be noted.
The Condition Of The Plumbing
An evaluation of the home’s plumbing includes an evaluation of pipes, drains, water heaters, and water pressure and temperature. The inspector will make sure bathroom and kitchen fixtures are working properly, and not leaking, and that drains are draining.
The Condition Of The Foundation
The inspection will include an evaluation of the condition of the home’s foundation. That will require the inspector to look at the exterior walls, windows, and door frames to determine if they are straight and square. If not, the inspector report will note any issues observed. If the home has a fireplace, the inspector will look at the integrity of the chimney structure and whether any soot should be cleaned out.
Rot Or Decay In The Walls
The inspector will look at the home’s exterior to spot any rot or decay in siding and trim, any cracking or flaking masonry or stucco, any dents or bowing in vinyl or aluminum, any signs of moisture infiltration, as well as any peeling paint. Inside, the inspector will make sure the walls are not leaning and show no water damage.
The Age & Condition Of The Flooring
The inspection should include a report on the age and condition of any flooring. If carpets need to be replaced or wood floors need to be refinished, the inspector will note it.
The Presence Of Asbestos
In older homes, asbestos was often used as insulation. Asbestos fibers are dangerous when they become airborne. The inspection report should note if asbestos is present.
The Type Of Waste Systems & Water Wells
If you are considering a home that has a septic system and its own water well, you will need to have them inspected. Your home inspector can give you basic information about conditions that are easily observable. However, septic and well systems need to have separate inspections conducted by specialists.
Any Potential Water Drainage Issues
Outside, the inspector should look for evidence of current or future water issues, such as standing water, poor grading or damaged or missing gutters and downspouts. They will also look at the general health of plants in the landscaping and the condition of outdoor structures such as patios, decks, retaining walls, sheds, railings, and swimming pools.
Contact An Experienced Virginia Beach Real Estate Agent
Before you make an offer on a home, consult with the staff at the Katie Zarpas Group. They can provide you with assistance on buying a home and help make sure you understand what to look for in a home inspection. For more information please call 757.685.4400 or schedule an appointment online.
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If you have questions about today’s home buying process, then talk to an experienced real estate agent like Katie Zarpas. Katie prides herself on her personal, hands-on approach, and the creative style and quality of her work reflects that. Katie’s marketing, sales, and transactional expertise make her an invaluable partner and resource for any 
The location and the lot are things you cannot change. The first consideration as to location is whether the neighborhood meets your needs. Before you get out of the car to look at a property, look over the lot itself. Make sure it is not in a low-lying area that floods. If it is, you will incur significant expense to remediate the effects of a flood if remediation is possible. Is the lot fairly level, or is it steep? If the lot is steep, consider whether it creates a concern for your family’s intended use? Is it on a busy road? Consider whether the amount of traffic will affect your enjoyment and use of the property. Finally, look at the adjacent properties and determine if they are well taken care of.
As you walk through the house, determine whether the floorplan will meet your lifestyle. Is it an open floor plan design that you love, or is it a floor plan designed to allow occupants more privacy? If you don’t like the floor plan now, you will probably hate it in a few years. If the seller has recently painted the walls and ceilings, be aware that it was likely done to help sell the home. That is good news for you as a potential buyer, but don’t let new paint and décor distract you from what matters. 
Regardless of the age of the appliances, turn each of them on to make sure they are working. Look underneath every sink for signs of leaking. Turn on the water in every faucet to assess the water pressure, especially if the house sits on well water. Look at any carpeting to determine whether it needs to be replaced or updated. If so, it is common to factor that into your sales price negotiations.
The town of Chesapeake is situated on the Intracoastal Waterway. If you like to explore wildlife, you can find it along the 22 miles of fresh and salt waterways. You’ll be able to see rare bird species and wildlife along the scenic trails of Northwest River Park & Campground and the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. And it’s an easy 30 minutes to the beaches!
If you love history, this coastal Virginia seaport is for you. Its collection of antique homes spanning three centuries, assortment of quirky shops, and eclectic, locally owned restaurants give it a decided hip vibe. Plus, Portsmouth offers a spectacular waterfront on the busy Hampton Roads harbor. Portsmouth is a very walkable city, and you’ll find artistic expression everywhere you look. The Arts and Cultural District offers over twenty public art displays in eight city blocks. 
Virginia Beach is where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. Thirty-five miles of coastline make it one of the longest beaches on the east coast. A three-mile long concrete boardwalk lets you walk, skate, or bike along the beach front and enjoy the attractions along the way. At the quiet area of Sandbridge Beach, you will have 5 miles of beach on the Atlantic Ocean. On the other side are the waters of the serene Back Bay.
Foreclosures are homes that belong to the bank that originally gave the previous owner a loan. When the owner of the home abandons it or voluntarily deeds it to the bank, ownership goes to the bank, which can then sell the home. While it is often said that the bank “took back the home,” this is technically inaccurate, as the bank did not really own the home before it was purchased. 
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Contact Katie Zarpas Group for more information about foreclosures in the Virginia Beach area. Katie Zarpas has a long and successful career in real estate and has been recognized by her peers with several awards. Zarpas and her team can assist both 
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