Whether you are a first-time home buyer or a seasoned real estate investor, finding the right property takes time and effort. You want to know the home in which you plan to raise your family or invest your money is the right one for you. Once you find the perfect property, a home inspection gives you the peace of mind of knowing that what you are buying is in good condition without any hidden defects that could end up costing a lot of money to repair.

What is a home inspection?

A home inspection is a visual inspection of the structure and the plumbing, electrical and heating systems of a home. The person doing the inspection is limited to those areas of the home that are accessible. For instance, the inspector cannot see inside walls or under floors.

The results of a home inspection will not tell you how much a home is worth, but it will give you information about its physical condition and any repairs that might be needed. Buyers and sellers can use this information to compare the condition of the home with other properties that have recently sold in the area to determine an approximate market value.

What is included in a home inspection?

Home inspections usually include visual inspection of the following elements of a home:

• Foundation: Cracks or evidence of water seepage will be noted during an inspection.
• Roof: Any sagging in the roof or worn shingles could indicate the need for repair or replacement.
• Heating and ventilation systems: Make certain the systems are operating properly.
• Electrical and plumbing systems: Determine that each system is adequate for the size of the house and check hookups and connections that are visible to verify they were properly completed.
• Exterior of home: Verify that grading takes water away from the home’s foundation. Inspect retaining walls and secondary structures to ensure they are in good condition.
• Ceilings, walls and flooring: Inspectors look for cracks in walls and determine if they are the result of normal settling or a structural issue. Signs of leaks or other areas of concern are also noted.

The written report prepared by the home inspector normally notes any areas of concern and provides recommendations for correcting them. Inspectors frequently include cost estimates to guide the buyer or homeowner.

Should you be present during the inspection?

Even though you receive a detailed report of the inspection and the findings and recommendations of the inspector, it is better to be present to actually see what the inspector is talking about. You get more out of an inspection by being able to ask questions of the inspector.

Are home inspectors licensed?

Home inspectors are not currently required to be licensed in Ontario. The Home Inspection Act requiring the licensing of home inspectors has been approved, but it is not scheduled to take effect for at least a couple of years.

When looking for a home inspector, ask your real estate agent or someone who has used one recently for a recommendation. Before hiring the person, ask about their experience and training. Inspectors who take courses to stay up-to-date on building codes and construction techniques are preferable to those who do not.

Ask to see a copy of a typical report the inspector prepares following an inspection to make certain it is detailed enough to provide you with useful information about the property. Ask for references and call them to make certain they were satisfied with the services they received.

Ontario real estate lawyers

The real estate lawyers at Diamond and Diamond have years of experience successfully representing buyers and sellers in real estate transactions. Call them today at 1-888-INFO LAW or visit their website to speak to someone now. They offer free consultations and have offices throughout Ontario.

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Making the move from one home to another can be a daunting experience, but a real estate agent makes it easier. The agent working with you can be a source of expert advice and guidance about the real estate market and the process of buying, selling and financing real estate. Your home is undoubtedly the biggest investment most people make in their lives, so it is essential to find a real estate possessing the skill, knowledge and experience to maximize your investment no matter whether you are a buyer or a seller. Here are a few tips to help you to find a real estate agent.

What does a real estate agent do for you?

Before beginning your search for a real estate agent, it might help to understand the services they offer. A real estate agent does more than merely list a home for sale. An agent for a seller assists with the following:

• Finding comparable homes that have recently sold to help homeowners decide on the fair market value of their homes.
• Suggest ways to make the interior and exterior of a home more attractive to potential buyers.
• Market the home through advertising and open houses.
• Handle scheduling of appointments for buyers wishing to view the home.
• Negotiate offers with a buyer’s agent to reach the best agreement for the seller.

Real estate agents working on behalf of buyers provide the following services:

• Find homes for sale meeting the criteria specified by a buyer, including price, location, style of home, availability of public transit and other factors important to the buyer.
• Arrange appointments to view homes meeting the buyer’s criteria.
• Help the buyer determine the value of a particular home in order to make an offer.
• Present a buyer’s offer to the agent for the seller and negotiate to reach an agreement.

Interview a couple of agents before hiring one

There are currently more than 80,000 licensed real estate agents in Ontario, but you don’t have to interview all of them to find the one who is best for you. A good place to begin is with a recommendation from a friend or relative whose experience with a particular real estate agent was a good one.

Buyers and sellers should look around the neighbourhood in which their homes are located or where they want to buy and note the names of agents appearing on signs advertising homes for sale. Chances are those real estate agents know the area and could be a good source of information and guidance.

Set up appointments with some realtors to determine if you feel comfortable with the person’s knowledge of the local real estate market. You also want someone who takes the time to listen to you and offer suggestions to satisfy any concerns you might have and to answer questions about the process of buying or selling.

Find an agent with a strategy

A real estate agent should have a strategy for selling your home or helping you to find the home of your dreams. For sellers, this would include a marketing plan. Agents working on behalf of buyers should offer suggestions for financing the purchase once an offer is accepted and be prepared to recommend lenders.

Open houses allow you to meet agents

If you see a sign advertising an open house, go in and talk to the real estate agent. It’s a great opportunity to see how the agent does business. It also offers a chance to determine if you would be comfortable working with the person.

Ontario real estate lawyers

The real estate lawyers at Diamond and Diamond have years of experience successfully representing buyers and sellers in real estate transactions. Call them today at 1-888-INFO LAW or visit their website to speak to someone now. They offer free consultations and have offices throughout Ontario.

The post How to Choose a Real Estate Agent appeared first on Diamond and Diamond Lawyers.