As we continue to keep our readers informed about our real estate market in Asheville, we have decided to create a section on our blog called Ask the Real Estate Specialist.  Here, we will share the answers to questions we often receive from our clients that you too may be wondering the answers to these same questions.

Each month an agent from our team will answer a series of questions on various topics starting with Home Inspections.

These answers below regarding home inspections are provided by Peter van Rijssen, a buyer consultant with The Bourke Group.

Question: Do you recommend a home inspection for your buyers?
Answer: Always. A home inspection not only helps one understand how their home works, but what kind of care and maintenance it may need.  

Question: What is the biggest advantage of having a home inspection?
Answer: It helps you know what you’re buying. You’d do the same with a car right? 

Question: What if the home is brand new - do you need a home inspection?
Answer: Even new construction should be inspected to make sure everything is done properly. 

Question: Should the buyer attend the home inspection?
Answer: If at all possible the homeowner should be there for the entirety or at least the last 30 minutes for a summary.

Question: What if the inspector finds something seriously wrong - what do you recommend the buyer do?
Answer: Consult with the home inspector in detail, contact their buyer agent, and discuss options which may include contacting a contractor.  

Question: What if the seller will not fix the repairs - what do you recommend?
Answer: Make an appointment with your buyer agent to discuss options. 

Question: What if there are many little things the inspector finds but no major red flags? What do you recommend?
Answer: Make an appointment with your buyer agent to discuss options. 

Question: Have you ever had a deal fall apart because of a home inspection? What did the buyers do and how did you proceed?
Answer: Yes, it has only happened once, but the inspector found (while crawling on his stomach in a crawlspace) that the foundation had been under cut to make room for an addition. My buyer was not comfortable with this finding and was able to walk away from the contract and keep her earnest money.

If you have additional questions, please feel free to email, call us, or leave a comment below.  You can also read about home inspections in more detail on the North Carolina Real Estate Commission’s Questions and Answers on Home Inspections site.

If you have a specific topic or question that you would like to see discussed in our upcoming question and answer session, please leave a comment below, email us, or give us call.

- Answers provided by Peter van Rijssen, Buyer Consultant

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