The Importance of Home Inspections in Nashville, TN

Whether building brand new or a historical hundred years old, there's a home for everyone in Nashville, Tennessee in the housing market. When it comes to finding your perfect one, what you don't see is what matters. Understanding the breakdown of the home inspection process and why you need one when living in Nashville is key to knowing the time frame of getting one, and why it is important.

Continue to read to find out the importance of home inspections in Nashville, TN.

Your Home Inspection

A home inspection is where the buyer will hire a professional to do an objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of what is considered livable space in your new potential home. This is the time to understand exactly what it is you're buying. The home inspection is done during the due diligence period after your offer is accepted, a period that is crucial because it allows you to walk away from your binding agreement with the seller for any reason.

A typical inspection period is ten days, and anything can be inspected during this period, including the following:

• Pool
• Radon gas emissions
• Termites
• Sewers
• Mold

Anything not considered livable space is an add-on cost-wise to your inspection report. It is very important to work with third-party professionals in their industry and not your cousin to save money, for obvious reasons. When the home inspection period is over you have three options:

1. Accept the property as is.
2. Walk away from the offer.
3. Ask the seller for non-cosmetic repairs or money toward the closing cost.

Home inspectors usually don't look at cosmetic issues or minor issues, difficult-to-reach areas, or potentially dangerous-to-reach areas. Sound systems, security systems, irrigation, and anything else not pertinent to how you live in a home are not included in an inspection.

What You Should Know About a Home Inspection

After your inspection, you will get an inspection report, which will act as your guidebook to your new home. It will be packed full of photos and great detail on what is wrong with your potential new home. Turn your focus on the big things–like a new roof–when negotiating repairs with the seller. Ask yourself what is most valuable.

In the Nashville area, inspections will cost between $400 to $600. Re-inspections and add-ons are about half an inspection fee. Inspections are not a perfect process. Some unknowns won't come up in the inspection but will come up after you purchase your home. If you are concerned about the what-ifs and unforeseen costs in the first year of owning your home, you might want to look into getting a home warranty plan.

The Bottom Line: Don't Skip a Home Inspection

Every home, whether new or old, is going to have its problems. Don't skip a home inspection, and always know exactly what it is you are buying. If any more questions arise about the home inspection process or tips are needed to find a trusted home inspector, entrust your Nashville real estate agents to help you through the process. Let professionals at Benchmark Realty guide you in finding your dream home in the many Nashville, TN communities today.