One generation passes the torch to the next. That is the way of the world. Millennials, young adults in their twenties and thirties, are eagerly waiting for the torch. They are ready to buy houses, make their mark on the social landscape.
One of most daunting things a young adult can do is purchase a home, especially in today’s shaky economy. Regardless of the state of the real estate market, one thing is certain: for many, buying a home is a mark of success, a mark of growing adulthood. Too many young people, however, make the mistake of purchasing a home without bringing in an inspector. Before long, they realize the house is faulty, needing many improvements.
In order to better the house, they must sink cash into it. Add the costs of improving a fixer-upper with student loans and other debts accumulated throughout the twenties, and the newly minted homeowner suddenly has his or her back against the wall. If he or she brought in an inspector, this would not be the case. If you are a young adult, a home inspector is your best friend, a valued friend and treasured companion.
In the article, “Home inspectors provide valuable insurance,” Joy Earls of the Missoulian tells the story of a young graduate student. This particular graduate student saved enough money to purchase a home. He began his search, with the help of his parents and friends. He found a home close to the university that fit all of his needs. It was perfect, a young adult’s dream home.
The seller, as to be expected, completed an Owner’s Disclosure Form. This form is a listing of facts about the home, covering the ins and outs, such as the roof or plumbing. Earls points out that such a form is far from ironclad. The owner simply may not be aware of certain problems and will not include them in the form. Although the prospective buyer may feel at ease regarding the house, especially with the form, Earls encourages all buyers to bring in an inspector. After all, the form can be misleading.
The graduate student brought in an inspector and, sure enough, the inspector discovered mold in the attic. This, of course, was not on the Owner’s Disclosure Form. They addressed the mold situation and the student moved in. If the student did not bring in an inspector, he would have been oblivious to the mold and the problem would have only grown in severity, costing more money to fix. Any good inspector is worth his or her weight in gold and the cost of services far outweighs any problems that may creep up in the future. Earls sums it up best: “If he [the graduate student] tried to save some time or money along the way, he might be living in a home with problems. Then, at some time, when he decided to sell the home, he would have to work with a possibly more severe issue.”
Although the seller will present you with an Owner’s Disclosure Form, always bring in an inspector. The form can often be misleading, as was the case with the graduate student. There are enough problems in the world; do not let your home be one of them. If you are a young adult in the Indianapolis area and want to purchase a home, consult Center Grove Inspections before signing the dotted line!
For the Missoulian article, look here.
-Jim
*Image courtesy of Clawed at en.wikipedia
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