Why should I have a Home Inspection on my Big Bear Property?

Why should I have a Home Inspection on my Big Bear Property?

When it comes to buying a home in Big Bear, the question of why have a home inspection and who pays for it comes up quite frequently. Let's take a few minutes and address both of the commonly asked questions that I get.

Who pays for the Home Inspection?

The home inspection isn't a required inspection in Big Bear, but it is highly recommended. As it isn't a required inspection, the buyer would be responsible for paying for the home inspection.

How much does the Home inspection Cost?

The cost of the home inspection on a home in Big Bear will vary depending on the size of the home. Most home inspectors that I deal with base their fee off of the square footage of the property. Unless you are looking to buy something rather large, the cost of the home inspection will generally run you somewhere between $200.00 and $250.00

How do I choose my Home Inspection?

If you look in the local yellow pages in Big Bear or anywhere else for that matter, there will be a long list of home inspectors. So, who do I choose? The first thing I would do as a buyer is to ask my Realtor who they recommend for the inspection. Generally, your Realtor is going to have some recommendations for you. If you find yourself looking on your own, then you want to look for two important things. The first question that you want to ask the home inspector is if he is a licensed general contractor. Being a licensed General Contractor is not a requirement in Big Bear but I would think that you want someone working for you that know what he is looking at. The second thing that I would ask the home inspector is this. Do you have Errors and Omissions Insurance? Otherwise known as E & O Insurance. No matter how good the home inspector is, he is still human. Even the best will miss something every now and then. By carrying E & O insurance, he is well covered in the event that he misses something and it turns out to be something serious. I have guys come in and tell me that they are doing home inspections and they are asking for my business. My first question is this. Do you have E & O? Most simply say NO, while others ask me what E & O is! I thank them but explain why I won't be recommending them to my clients.

Why spend the money on a Home Inspection?

When you buy a cabin in Big Bear, the owner is suppose to fill out a number of different disclosures, answering truthfully about the condition of the property. What if you buy a bank owned REO property where there are no disclosures? You need to find out what the true condition of the cabin is and you really need to have that done by an uninterested qualified third party. You wouldn't buy a car without taking a test drive and you shouldn't buy a home without having it thoroughly inspected by a licensed professional. A home is a large investment and it is imperative you know what you are getting yourself into. I've sold new constructions that have a list of things wrong with them. How would we have found out without the home inspection? It doesn't matter if it is a brand new home or one built in 1930, you need to get a home inspection.

If you're going to buy a home in Big Bear, or anywhere else for that matter, get a Home Inspection!