It’s common for sellers working without a real agent to want to sell their home “as is” to avoid having to invest money into the property by fixing it up or take on any potential liability for defects. Although there is nothing wrong with buying a home “as is”, you should still hire a professionally certified home inspector to perform an inspection. Here are a few reasons why you should hire a certified home inspector in the greater Columbia area of South Carolina.
Reason #1: You don’t know what “as is” is
First, you don’t know the actual state of the property. Sure you can walk through the home and get a general idea of its condition. You may even spot defects or items in obvious need of repair or replacement. But you will obtain detailed information and insights that you would receive if you hired a home inspector. Home inspectors are equipped and trained to look for things you are likely to miss. Particularly InterNACHI inspectors, for example, follow residential standards of practice. Home inspectors will check places such as:
- Roof
- Exterior and interior
- Foundation
- Basement
- Fireplace
- Attic
- Insulation
- Ventilation
- Doors
- Windows
- Heating systems
- Cooling systems
- Plumbing system
- Electrical systems for certain defects
With the inspector’s detailed report, you will have a better idea of what “as is” actually means regarding the home and whether or not you’re in a better position to buy it. With the “As is” detailed home inspection report you can use the information from your inspection report to negotiate a lower price.
Reason #2: the Many States Require Seller To Provide Written Disclosure
About the Condition of the property
Many states require the seller to provide you with written disclosure about the condition of the property. The problem is that there is little information provided and a few even lies about the condition of the property. If your inspector finds evidence that a seller concealed information or lied to you, that may be a sign that you don’t want to buy a home from that seller.
If you buy a home “as is” without hiring a home inspector and then later discover a defect, all is not lost. It’s possible that a home inspector may review the seller’s disclosure and testify as to what the seller knew or should have known about the current condition of the property. The inspector may even find the following evidence:
- Evidence that the seller made misrepresentations or concealed relevant information from you.
- The seller of an “as is” home may be held liable for misrepresentation or concealment.
To avoid the potential liability and necessary drama, simply protect your investment by hiring a home inspector when purchasing “as is” properties. The cost of a home inspection is petty compared to the price of the home. It’s better to be an informed consumer when buying an “as is” home, so make sure that you hire an InterNACHI certified professional home inspector. Contact S&J Home Inspections for all of your home inspections and termite inspection services.
