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5 Hacks To Help You Ace A Home Inspection
By IBRAHIM CLOUDS
Concealing Defects
When walking through a house, look for freshly painted areas that can be covering up damage, and have the seller turn off any music to hear the ambient noise. Check behind flowers outside can be covering up exterior water damage, and ask to see receipts for any work done on the property.
Commonizing Issues
Notice whether the current homeowner or real estate agent is generalizing issues that can actually indicate low maintenance like bad paint jobs, plumbing, or electrical problems. Major indications are a dusty AC, a leaking roof, or insulation issues.
Suspicious Décor
Furniture or random décor can cover up issues like mold and holes, and notice any candles or air fresheners that could be concealing unpleasant scents. Your home inspector will look at these areas more carefully, but you’ll want to check the basement, crawl space, or attic for signs of trouble.
Restricting Access
You and the home inspector have the right to check all the rooms in the building, and you’ll want to hire a professional to inspect things like the plumbing, water heater, and furnace. Note if the current owner prevents you from seeing anything, and bring it up after the inspection.
Being Unaware
A disclosure form contains all the information about a property and its condition, and the law requires sellers to disclose every fault within the home, even if not stated during the inspection. Not all states require this form, but it’s important information to have as a buyer.