You've found the home of your dreams, applied for your mortgage and the countdown to home ownership begins. But wait - how do you know that your dream home isn't really a MONEY PIT? This is not the time to call Uncle Harry to ask what he thinks about the house -- it's time to call a professional, the home inspector. Now, in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, home inspectors need to be licensed. While an inspector may show you credentials from an association like ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors), the NAHI (National Association of Home Inspectors) or other organization, this should not be confused with a valid license in good standing. You can verify any inspector's license through the Board of Registration of Home Inspectors at its website or by calling the Board at (617) 727- 4459.
Real estate agents in Massachusetts are not allowed to refer buyers to a home inspector. In many states buyers are unknowingly steered toward inspectors with whom an agent has a relationship, often known as "easy", while avoiding inspectors with a reputation as being "deal busters". When Massachusetts adopted regulations for home inspections in 2001, this practice within the real estate industry was exposed and efforts have been made to inform consumers regarding their rights. A real estate agent can provide you with the list of licensed inspectors, or a link to the board, but must not give you a carefully selected list to a buyer. The exception is if you are represented by a buyer's agent.
It is becoming more popular with home sellers to pay for a "pre-market inspection" to help them learn what issues may come up during their buyer's inspection. Often the seller is willing to share this inspection with a potential buyer, so don't hesitate to ask if a report is available.
In addition to having a home inspection performed, buyers may also want to have other environmental tests/inspections performed at their expense, such as radon, well water, etc. If the seller has a septic system, they must pay for and provide you with a Title V Certification before passing title. The seller usually pays for the pest inspection (termite) however it can be paid for by either the seller or the buyer.
Think that only older homes may have issues? Take a look at the following home inspector's website, showing photos supplied by several home inspectors while viewing new homes. Make sure you consider this before you sign a Purchase and Sale Agreement.
One other thing....as you're walking through the home with your inspector, beware of the inspector pointing out a flaw while telling you "his brother in law is a plumber who could fix that in a jiff." Report him here.
Real estate agents in Massachusetts are not allowed to refer buyers to a home inspector. In many states buyers are unknowingly steered toward inspectors with whom an agent has a relationship, often known as "easy", while avoiding inspectors with a reputation as being "deal busters". When Massachusetts adopted regulations for home inspections in 2001, this practice within the real estate industry was exposed and efforts have been made to inform consumers regarding their rights. A real estate agent can provide you with the list of licensed inspectors, or a link to the board, but must not give you a carefully selected list to a buyer. The exception is if you are represented by a buyer's agent.
It is becoming more popular with home sellers to pay for a "pre-market inspection" to help them learn what issues may come up during their buyer's inspection. Often the seller is willing to share this inspection with a potential buyer, so don't hesitate to ask if a report is available.
In addition to having a home inspection performed, buyers may also want to have other environmental tests/inspections performed at their expense, such as radon, well water, etc. If the seller has a septic system, they must pay for and provide you with a Title V Certification before passing title. The seller usually pays for the pest inspection (termite) however it can be paid for by either the seller or the buyer.
Think that only older homes may have issues? Take a look at the following home inspector's website, showing photos supplied by several home inspectors while viewing new homes. Make sure you consider this before you sign a Purchase and Sale Agreement.
One other thing....as you're walking through the home with your inspector, beware of the inspector pointing out a flaw while telling you "his brother in law is a plumber who could fix that in a jiff." Report him here.
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