Why Is a Home Inspection Important When Buying a Home?

For a large majority of people, purchasing a home is among the biggest financial decisions you will ever make. Therefore, it's a good idea to protect yourself by knowing fi there's anything wrong about your purchase.  After all, most people inspect a used car before buying it too.

Appearances are not always what they seem. Even if the home looks impeccable, there may be undetectable problems. Don't let the agent or seller prevent you from performing your due diligence. A lot of non-visual  problems can turn out to be expensive repairs.

As a home buyer, it's very common to pay for a home inspection report.  The cost for the report ($250-$600) may save you thousands of dollars in repair costs later on. A home inspection doesn't guarantee you will know every possible problem. But you should learn about immediate and near future issues than if you hadn't inspected the home.

What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is done by a professional home inspector, licensed or unlicensed. The home inspector will physically check the HVAC system, plumbing and electrical systems, insulation, windows, doors, roof, walls, and the structural portion of the home. Following the inspection, a written report will be provided to you and your real estate agent about their review and recommendations.

It is recommended to use a professional inspector from a trusted company to perform your inspection. Don't use contractors who are doing this as a side job. Your real estate agent may be able help you with a referral in your area. Although there are not any licensing requirements for inspectors in California, there are some who are certified.

Should you be present at the inspection?
Absolutely! Although it's not mandatory you attend, you can receive some valuable information about your home from an expert.  It is wise to be there at the appointment or have a representative.   You are free to ask questions and get educated during the process.

When do I schedule the inspection?
This depends on the seller. Most sellers allow an inspection immediately after your offer is accepted. Some sellers who have an empty house will let you do an inspection before making an offer to remove that contingency. In either case, the inspection findings will let you know if you should move forward on the purchase or not.

The inspection results?
If the inspection report uncovers major problems, you may be able to negotiate with the seller to fix the problem or reduce the purchase price.

With that being said, every home has some sort of problems. This includes new construction homes. Small issues can be repaired by using a price reduction or seller to fix it.  

Summary
Remember that buying a home is one the biggest purchases in your life in the dark. Don't let the cosmetic condition fool you into thinking there's zero problems. A thorough home inspection by an experienced home inspector can help protect you from large expenses in the future. Buying a house is costly.This is not an expense to skimp on.

This Week’s Featured Listings in Dana Point

Dana Point Homes For Sale

25591 Rocky Beach Ln, Price: $949,500 Sq Ft: 2,759 MLS ID: OC18117366

Description: A large well-cared for home with personality. Included is copper plumbing; Added steel roof; paid-for solar panels; Custom Casement windows; Chimney swept; fresh interior paint and newer carpet. Flexible floor plan including downstairs bedroom, Updated kitchen and baths, and a Master bath fit for a movie star. And the termite work is done! BUT WAIT! THERE'S MORE!! The grounds are lovely with lots of classy stone work and plants. A front porch beckons you to come and sit a spell while you watch the sunset.,or maybe visit with your neighbors. A fairyland has been created in the back yard and cleverly laid out to become almost two rooms: One end offers a bubbling brook that's pleasant or listen to while someone prepares a meal inside or out. The opposite end is shielded with dense shrubbery where one just might discover an above ground spa that measures 12 feet by 7 feet. Day or night, it's a great place to take a moment and appreciate your surroundings .All this and a beautiful cul-de-sac approx. one mile from the sand at fabled Doheny Beach and Dana Harbor!

35414 Via De Daum   Price: $2,295,900 Sq Ft: 3,493 MLS ID: S490841

Description: Beautiful ocean-view custom-built impeccably maintained home on pool-size lot! Elegant & charming w/ amazing curb appeal and exterior stone & artisan lighting. Main floor has living room, dining room, kitchen w/ eating area, family room w/ fireplace, den/office (4th bedroom) and ¾ baths. Second story has master suite, 2nd bedroom w/ full bath, 3rd bedroom w/ ocean view, full bath, bonus/media/game room w/ fireplace and built-in (5th bedroom); & laundry room w/ utility sink & built-in cabinetry. Gourmet kitchen has granite counter tops, travertine back splash, under-cabinet lighting, walk-in pantry, over-sized island, SS Viking appliances. Master suite has ceiling fan, fireplace, walk-in closet, bath w/ double sinks, separate tub & dual-headed shower w/ glass enclosure. French doors lead from living room to front outside area & from master suite to front private balcony so you can feel the ocean breeze, and (2) from family room to entertainer’s back patio to enjoy the amazing mature landscape. Travertine floor downstairs & in all the baths & laundry room, plush neutral color carpet on stairs & upstairs hall & all bedrooms. Exquisite details include 10' trey ceilings with amazing crown molding, 8' Mahagony doors,7.5" baseboards, recessed lighting, Roman blinds & designer’s paint throughout.Carriage porch, 2-car garage with attic space, huge backyard & lighted/gated dog run. Private beach location close to shopping & entertainment. No HOA dues & no Mello-Roos.This is a must see!.

34172 Crystal Lantern St  Price: $1,350,000 Sq Ft: 3,198 MLS ID: 790862

Description: Beach House Bargain! 5 bedroom or Bonus Room plus a separate entrance self contained studio! Walk to Doheny Beach, dining and shops. Potential for a fabulous Vacation Rental investment producing year round income stream. Most of the property has been remodeled or upgraded with wood and travertine flooring, all new kitchen and appliances, center island, range hood, plantation shutters, etc, Roof top deck offers has panoramic Village views with an ocean peak. A great buy for this much Coastal Home in prime downtown Dana Point!

Interested in seeing additional properties like these? Click here to search all listings.

First-Time Home Buyer Guide

Embarking on a search for your very first home is among the many exciting moments in a person's life. In a similar fashion, it can also be on the list of the most challenging. From the new terms and the barrage of information on the web, first-time homebuyers can be overwhelmed which is certainly understandable. The following are some steps to take so you'll be on the right path to homeownership:

1. Begin looking around for a real estate agent. Having a knowledgeable and respected professional throughout the homebuying process is important for their advice and experience. Some of the best recommendations can be found by asking friends and family members.  Once you get a few names from them, just do your research about the referrals to assess them as well as an in-person meeting.

2. Know the most home you can afford. Prior to you going out exploring neighborhoods and homes, figure out what you can easily manage to pay monthly. Once you're a homeowner, a lot of unexpected expenses occur so don't pay too much. You need to take into consideration the amount of the down payment, then calculate your proposed mortgage to learn what your potential monthly payments will be for numerous homes.

3. Decide on the neighborhoods you prefer. Pick your area before you begin searching for homes, because where you live it will be very important -  with regards to your daily enjoyment and the money you're paying - than the home on its own. In some case, the exact location may have to be compromised on the affordability of the home.

4. Pick items that are absolutely necessary. When you're considering the home you want to purchase, be honest with yourself about your necessities vs. wants. Of course, there are many things you'd enjoy having in a perfect home, but establish what things are nice-to-have vs. the things you must-have. Create a checklist of the features and condition of homes you see.

5. Find Homes online. As soon as your price range, neighborhoods, and your must-haves are established, begin your search online to reduce your choices. What this does is give you a lower amount of homes to see in-person and result in a faster choice.

First and foremost, be flexible, receptive to new ideas and patient during the home-search phase. Your sentiments and main concerns may vary as you get more info, and regardless of careful planning, introduction of something unexpected does happen. The process will be worthwhile, and you'll be comfortably regarded as a new homeowner.

When you're all prepared to go over your home financing choices, get in touch with a local mortgage specialist who can answer any questions you have about getting a home loan.