Home Inspections in New Jersey
Home inspections are a key part of buying a home. While there are people who advise eliminating home inspections when you are faced with a multiple bid, I never advise this. Even if the home is new construction, it’s best to have the guidance of a professional home inspector. In New Jersey, home inspectors are licensed by the State but there’s also another resource for you – the American Society of Home Inspectors known as ASHI.
ASHI.org
ASHI was started in 1976 by a group of home inspectors who wanted to set standards of practice and create a learning center for inspectors, buyers, sellers and real estate professionals. Every member of ASHI must take a Standards and Practices training module and agree to abide by their Code of Ethics. Today ASHI is the largest trade organization of home inspectors in the US. I consider ASHI to be a wonderful organization and only recommend home inspectors who are both licensed in New Jersey to perform home inspectors and members of ASHI.
BTW if you hear about virtual home inspections, I’ve never recommended them. Even at the height of the lock down, home inspectors could still get into a house to do an inspection. Fortunately things are back to normal now regarding this.
You should always attend your home inspection. It’s one of the most important parts of buying a house plus you’ll learn a lot about your new home. The average inspection takes around 3 hours but this varies on the size and condition of a home. Be sure to bring a pen and pad so that you can take notes during the inspection. The inspector will tell you about the home’s condition and teach you how to maintain various aspects of it.
Home Inspections for Sellers
If you are selling, it’s a good idea to inspect your home before it’s for sale. Pre listing home inspections uncover problems you never knew existed. It gives you an idea of what a buyer will hear too. This is very important for a seller. A major cause of failed contracts is the home inspection. Issues found can frighten a buyer and sellers it personally insulting. This is not the best environment to negotiate to a place that’s fair for both sides. As a result, contracts fail.
Because of this it’s smart for a sellers to use pre list home inspections to fix issues first. Then market your home for sale. Let me know if you need help or have questions.
