Purpose of the home inspection
Ask Phyllis: a blog series of frequently asked real estate questions previously published in the Crescenta Valley Weekly
Dear Phyllis,
I think you provide a valuable service to the community, and I look forward to reading your real estate column. If you have already addressed what the purpose of the home inspection is, my apologies for being redundant. Upon my son’s Realtor’s insistence, he hired a home inspector when he purchased his 100-year-old Glendale home. The inspector was great and noted some major problems with old, galvanized plumbing, a worn roof, and outdated electrical. Even so, the seller refused to make any repairs or credits. Reluctantly, my son moved forward with the purchase. When my wife and I purchased our home (and I admit it was many years ago), the seller gave us substantial credit for repairs. My question to you: if the seller won’t make repairs or provide credits, what’s the purpose of the home inspection? Walt
Dear Walt,
Current market conditions often dictate how inspection negotiations play out. In our current Los Angeles real estate market, most homes are selling in multiple offers. Therefore, sellers have the upper hand in these negotiations. Your son did have the option of canceling escrow after his inspection. However, had your son canceled, the seller likely would have found another buyer to accept the condition of the home at the same selling price.
To summarize: All homes have defects. The home inspection gave your son valuable information about the home he purchased. He now knows he will likely need to address the roof, plumbing, and electrical system in the near future. As a result, he can budget for these major repairs or replacements before they become urgent.
Thank you for your question and thank you for being a loyal reader. Best of luck to your son in his new home.
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