Fairfax County VA Home Search Website Blog

When you are in the process of buying a Fairfax County, VA homes for sale, you’ll need a home inspection.  However, the home inspection process can often be the cause of great stress, especially if you have your heart set on the home in question.
 
But when the home inspection report reveals defects (as many do), what do you do next?  How do you know what to expect the seller to repair?  What is minor and what is major? 

Keep these points in mind as you review your home inspection report and consider what to ask of your seller:

• If the home inspector has earmarked a feature of the house as needing “replacement in the future” but is in otherwise good working condition, the seller is not expected to replace or give an allowance for this replacement.  For example, if a 20-year roof is in year 18, you, as the buyer, should be prepared to pay to replace that roof when the time comes.
• If hidden defects are found, remember that they were “hidden”, not just from you, but from the seller as well.  Chances are you will have some negotiating power if the defects are major, but don’t assume that the sellers are being dishonest.
• Turn to your experienced real estate agent.  This part of the home buying process is where having a licensed professional on your side is invaluable.  Your REALTOR® will know which repairs to push for and which to ignore, and in most cases will able to negotiate a mutually agreeable solution.

Remember, while a home inspection report may reveal defects, unless you are buying a new home, you should expect some wear and tear.  But if the defects prove to be major, you’ll be glad to have an experienced REALTOR® on your side.

Are you ready to purchase a Fairfax County, VA homes for sale?  Or thinking of selling your current home?  If so, give me a call now at 703-909-3939 or email Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com today!

Steve Hawkins
Long and Foster REALTORS®
Springfield, Virginia
www.HomeSearchWebsite.com
Steve@HomeSearchWebsite.com
703-909-3939