A New Way to Shop for Homes in a Virtual World

In a year when we’re learning to do so much remotely, homebuying is no exception. From going to work to attending school, grocery shopping, and even seeing our doctors online, digital practices have changed the way we live.

This year, rather than delaying their home purchases, buyers – alongside their trusted real estate professionals – turned to the Internet to do more than just a typical home search. In some cases, they bought homes without even stepping foot inside. Jessica Lautz, Vice President of Demographics and Behavioral Insights at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), says:

“People really didn’t buy houses sight-unseen, traditionally. It’s still not a huge number, but it has gone up, and we have definitely seen that trend accelerate.”

According to NAR, throughout the coronavirus pandemic, one in every 20 homebuyers purchased a house sight-unseen.

How Your Real Estate Agent Will Pave the Way

Today, real estate professionals are using digital practices to help homebuyers and sellers walk through many steps in the process virtually. While following the regulations set forth by the CDC and all local guidelines, this year, agents quickly empowered buyers and sellers with virtual tours, 3D floor plans, high-quality photos, videos, online open houses, and more. For those who had homebuying and selling needs in 2020, trusted advisors made it possible in many markets.

Here’s a graph showing some of the digital options buyers found most helpful in their searches this year, as noted by NAR in the 2020 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers:

The report also mentions that buyers this year generally searched for eight weeks. Throughout that search, they viewed a median of 9 homes, but not all of them were seen in-person. Yahoo Finance notes:

“Buyers viewed five homes online and four homes in-person during the pandemic, compared to nine homes in-person in 2019, according to NAR. This was the first year NAR asked buyers to specify the number of homes toured virtually.”

In true 2020 fashion, virtual practices helped buyers safely narrow down their top choices, so they didn’t have to unnecessarily walk into more homes than they needed to see throughout the process. Here’s the breakdown by region:

At a time when health and safety are top priorities, current technology is making it possible for buyers and sellers to move their real estate plans forward at their own comfort levels, even through a worldwide pandemic. For many, this means buyers no longer have to physically tour every home they want to see, and sellers don’t need to open their doors over and over again throughout the process. Safety can come first, and trusted real estate professionals are here to help.

Bottom Line

If you’re ready to make a move, you may not have to press pause on your plans this season. Let’s connect to determine the safe and effective options to buy or sell a home in our area or wherever you’re looking to move.

10 Home Inspection Tips for First-Time Homebuyers

By Kevin Shirley, Associate Broker (DC), ASP, GRI, e-PRO

Hiring the right home inspection service will help you determine any significant defects with a property before deciding to buy.

As a first-time homeowner, you mustn’t buy a home without having it inspected first. A home inspector will help you determine if repairs need to be made on a home and what they might cost. In addition, a home inspection could sway your decision on whether to buy the property or not.

You have a big decision to make as a first-time buyer. If you want to make sure that the home you wish to purchase is structurally sound and is without any major defects, a home inspection is the first step.

Ask for Referrals

Finding the right home inspector can be a challenge because you don’t want the findings to be incomplete. Start by asking friends and family members for assistance. If you want to make sure that you hire someone that qualified, you can look for a home inspector that is affiliated with any of the following organizations:

National Association of Home Inspectors
National Institute of Building Inspectors
American Society of Home Inspectors
International Society of Certified Home Inspectors

Choose an Experienced Inspector

Too many first-time homebuyers make the mistake of choosing a home inspector based on the cost rather than the inspector’s experience. You must choose someone who has the expertise to look for the problems that other inspectors might miss. “The least expensive person is often the person with the least experience, ability, and technical savvy,” says Aaron Flook, owner of Pittsburgh-based A.M. Inspection Services LLC. “If you want a referral from your real estate agent, ask for two or three different names, then interview each one to determine who you feel most comfortable with.”

Let the Inspector Know about Your Concerns

Home inspectors aren’t mind readers. Therefore, if you have specific concerns about potential problem areas in the home, let the inspector know to investigate these concerns first. A home inspector can then place more emphasis on these areas and diagnose the problem. If a problem isn’t obvious and you haven’t given your home inspector a clue, there is a risk that the issue could be overlooked.

Expect an Objective Report

If you are worried about whether a report will be accurate, the home inspector will not be paid to try to get you to buy the home. Therefore, there is a greater chance that the home inspector will be neutral and thorough in his assessment of your home’s condition. By choosing a qualified home inspector, you can ensure that your home inspection report will incorporate all of the defects in your home.

Watch Out for Common Problems

Take note of the most common home inspection defect: moisture problems. Moisture build-up resulting from faulty drainage systems is the top cause of significant problems, such as mold, dry rot, and eventually structural damage. These problems can be very costly to fix.

To avoid dealing with these problems on your own, you must ensure that your home inspector thoroughly investigates the home’s moisture conditions. The inspector may even include an air quality test to determine if there are mold spores in the air in your home.

Inspect New Construction

Just because a property is new does not mean that there won’t be any problems. You should have a home inspector thoroughly inspect a home before you decide to buy. A home inspection on new construction may reveal structural issues, unfinished work, and faulty appliances. Don’t make the assumption that everything will be in place just because the property is new.

Understand the Limitations

Home inspectors are hired to look for problems that might affect the structural integrity of the home. They also look for defects in the interior and exterior of the home. The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) offers a page on Standards of Practice that will outline exactly what you should expect from a home inspection.

Hire a Specialist

Home inspectors are not required to look into every potential problem with a home. If your concerns fall outside of the issues that home inspectors must look into, you may want to call a specialist instead. Some of these concerns include:

pest control problems
lead paid
asbestos
radon gas
mold

These are significant issues that could also render a home unlivable. A specialist will also be able to guide you in getting estimates on repairs for these issues.

Follow Up on Inspector Recommendations

Hiring a qualified home inspector that can discover the issues within a home is a good start. However, it is only the beginning. As a homeowner, you need to make sure that you follow up on the recommendations that have been made by the inspector. Inspectors make recommendations because they believe that the problems may grow to become significant issues if not addressed. The inspector is not merely making a recommendation so that you’ll have to spend money on repairs.

Get Accurate Estimates Before Closing

By looking into the problem before the closing occurs, you can discover precisely how much it will cost to make repairs by getting several estimates. If you simply wait until after closing, likely, you may not find out just how big of a problem the issue is until it’s too late.

As a first-time homeowner, working with a qualified home inspector can save you time and money. It will also ensure that you are going into a home purchase with a clear idea of what you are buying.

When Career Upheaval Results in a Relocation Scramble…

By Kevin Shirley, Associate Broker (DC), e-PRO, GRI, ASP

Remember the good old days, when most people could depend on staying in the same job in the same community for an entire career? The truth is, as with so many other facets of 21st-century life, sudden career upheavals that cause someone to undertake an abrupt relocation are relatively common today. And accelerated timing requirements can make the situation more intense.

Even without that added obstacle, familiarity with the ins and outs of relocation is one of the most valuable assets you gain access to when selecting an experienced local REALTOR. Especially when a relocation is in your immediate future (even if it’s a future that became apparent without a lot of warning), the reality of having to deal with the mass of details accompanying both moving out and moving in can seem like a vast gray, angry-looking cloud hanging overhead. Just getting a handle on the details can go far to remove the mystery and dispel anxiety.

A shortlist of the elements that need to be determined and coordinated:

Professional and school requirements
Transaction imperatives in both communities
Moving and storage details
Utility requirements

Once a timeline is determined and a to-do checklist assembled, it will be possible to stay on top of the process. Most importantly, it will help highlight those details that seem to be falling behind — allowing them to get extra attention. Staying abreast of relocation details is the single most important keys that will lead to a smooth outcome. It’s one of Murphy’s Laws that, come moving day, any detail that has been put off until the last minute is likely to cause foul-ups of one kind or another. For instance, if the electric service wasn’t notified far enough in advance, count on the move taking place on the hottest day of the year. Unpacking cartons and moving furniture around without working air conditioners is a memory best avoided!

Any relocation is a challenge that requires a welter of decisions in areas that fall outside what people encounter in everyday living. Fortunately, it’s a challenge that your local real estate professional encounters regularly. Help with practical relocation to (or from) town is just one of the areas of functional expertise that you can tap into when you put an experienced REALTOR on your team.

The days when most Americans expected to stay in the same community for a lifetime may be fading from memory, but being able to rely on your local real estate professional to help master some of the most challenging upshots is still here. They may say that nostalgia isn’t what it used to be, but that shouldn’t stop you from giving me a call, anytime!

Seven Things First-Time Historic Home Buyers Need to Know

By Kevin Shirley, Associate Broker (DC), e-PRO, GRI, ASP

Historic homes are full of mystery and culture – owning one can be a great way to connect with both the past and the future of your community. Older homes are both charming and intriguing, but you must be sure to know the unique responsibilities that come with owning a historic home before you sign the mortgage papers, so you don’t end up with more than you bargained for.

Perhaps it started when you walked home from school. You would always slow down your pace as you passed the older Victorian home with its gabled roof and inviting wrap-around porch. Or maybe you were always fascinated by stories of days gone by, and now take day-trips to historic sites near your town. Whatever brought you to this point, it was a powerful force in your life, and your heart is now set on buying your own historic home.

Even if this is not your first home purchase, historic homes can have their own specific challenges for first-time historic home buyers. If you know what to expect in advance, your home-buying process will be smoother and more satisfying.

Is It Registered?

As a rule, a “historic home” must meet three criteria: (1) it must be of a certain age, generally, 50 years or older; (2) it must be in close to original condition, with defining architectural features still intact; and (3) it must have historical architectural significance or be associated with a significant historical event. Many owners of established historic homes have it registered with The National Register of Historic Places. If the property you are interested in is not registered, do some research and make sure it meets all three criteria.

Find a Home Inspector Who Specializes in Historic Homes

Once you find your home, you must find a qualified home inspector. Older homes are much more complicated to inspect, and it takes a special kind of expertise. Many home inspectors who specialize in historic homes are members of the Historic Building Inspectors Association. This association demands that all member inspectors be well qualified to evaluate and report structural and mechanical aspects in historic buildings. Their members understand landmark preservation standards and practices; you can read more about this group and find a registered home inspector at http://www.inspecthistoric.org.

Find Out about the Electrical System

Older homes can be a true joy, except when they need costly updates. One area that many older homes need updating in is in their electrical system. It should not be totally unexpected if the home inspector tells you that all the old wiring needs to be replaced. Sometimes the fuse box is not large enough to accommodate all of your modern necessities, such as computers and televisions. To correct these problems, you will need to hire a licensed electrician who understands and can integrate older and newer electric systems. Of course, he also must be an expert on your town’s local electrical codes. At the time of purchase, known electrical deficiencies can be incorporated into your price negotiations.

Be Prepared to Love It or Leave It

Many local historic home associations place strict restrictions on what kind of upgrades can be done on their registered homes. Generally, repairs can be made to the home’s elements, but structures cannot be added to or replaced. So, adding a back porch or additional square footage most likely will not be allowed. If items like windows or roofs need repair, you will need to replace them with similar building materials – this can be both time consuming and costly, so make sure you go in with your eyes wide open as to the responsibilities that will be on your shoulders once you purchase the home.

Get Price Estimates on Contracting Work

Most likely, if the home has not had a new owner in some time, there will be upgrades you will initially need to put into motion to meet specific building codes. Or, there may be other updates you will want to make immediately, such as fixing a leak in a slate roof (a fairly common issue in older houses). Get price estimates from contractors experienced with historic homes and make sure you know these costs before you make your offer or end your attorney review period. Going back to the example given previously, a slate roof on a historic home is much more costly to repair than fixing an asphalt shingle roof on a modern home. Avoid surprises by doing your homework.

For a Moment, Think about Reselling

Wait a minute … you’re in home buying mode. Why this talk about reselling? The fact is: Historic homes may be more challenging to sell. Unless you live in an area that people flock to because of the historic homes, you may find that your home is less in demand. This can mean that it may take you longer to sell the house or that you could risk a price reduction if you need to sell in a hurry. Home resale value is always something you should give some thought to when purchasing. Generally, a home is one of the largest purchases an individual or couple will ever make, and it is vital to consider all aspects of your home purchase. Historic homes are incredible to own, but each one is truly a labor of love.

And Now for Some Great News …

If you qualify, your state and/or local governments – as well as the federal government – may offer tax incentives to help you preserve or restore your historic home. These incentives may take the form of tax credits or lower interest loans and are certainly worthwhile for you to check out.

Now that you are aware of some of the things to look for when purchasing an old home, it is time to go ahead with the fun part! Viewing a historic home as a potential buyer is a great experience; it’s almost like studying a piece of history and local culture and deciding if you want to be part of its future – a tremendous opportunity for anyone with a passion for history or love for old homes.

4 First-Time Homeowner Repair Tips

By Kevin Shirley, Associate Broker (DC), GRI, e-PRO, ASP

Homeowners often need to make adjustments to a home after settlement. As a homeowner, it is your responsibility to seek out the best deals to complete your home renovation project.

When you decide to make repairs on your home as a first-time homeowner, you may need to do some research to understand what is involved in the process. Many homeowners undertake small DIY projects. However, larger home renovation projects may require a qualified company’s assistance to meet local regulations.

Like most first-time homeowners, you probably don’t want to continue living in a home exactly as it was purchased. You want to add your own personal touch to your home. If you have just bought a new home and are considering making repairs, figuring out a plan is the first step.

Home renovation projects can be as simple as hiring a handyman. Other projects may require that you have obtained permits, insurance, and are working with licensed contractors.

Planning

As you get ready to take on your home repair project, it is a good idea to start with a plan. A comprehensive plan for completing your renovation should include the following:

determining your needs for your home
developing a budget
searching and interviewing home contractors
obtaining permits
vetting and hiring a home contractor

By mapping out each step of the process, you can ensure that all of the necessary steps have been taken to guarantee your project’s success. It is an excellent idea to do plenty of research as you approach each stage to have a thorough understanding of what you will be getting into.

Regarding a budget, homeowners should make sure that they have incorporated the cost of the current project and maintenance costs for the year. Dennis G. Stearns, a financial planner in Greensboro, N.C., “estimates that owners of a newer home that do some work for themselves but contract major work out to others will pay 3.6 percent of the original purchase price annually for maintenance and 4.5 percent if it’s an older home.” according to an article by Ron Lieber of The New York Times.

Hiring a Contractor

If you plan on a significant renovation of your home, you may need to obtain permits to do the work. Otherwise, you may face hefty fines if you don’t get the proper permits before starting work. Many home improvement projects require that you obtain permission from the city or county. The work must meet code requirements and must also be done by a licensed professional. By contacting local, licensed home contractors, you can find out whether your job requires a permit.

You should also ensure that you get proof of the contractor’s license and check if the contractor has sufficient liability insurance to cover any issues. In many cases, you could potentially be held liable for damages if something goes wrong or the contractor gets hurt on your property.

“Having a license and insurance demonstrates a contractor’s credibility and knowledge,” says Bob Peterson, CGR, CAPS, CGP, co-owner of Associates in Building & Design Ltd., in Fort Collins, Colo., and chairman of the NAHB Remodelers Council. “The license shows that contractors have taken an exam and proved they know building codes and processes. A license minimizes the risk to homeowners of getting ripped off,” he says.

Asking for several estimates before deciding on a single home contractor can give you a better idea of the cost range for a project of your size. You should also ask for multiple estimates to compare the services offered by each home contractor to see which company can provide the most value.

DIY Projects

DIY projects are popular with first-time homeowners. However, there is a risk that you can end up taking on more than you can handle. Make sure that you have done the research before getting started to have a good understanding of the total cost to complete the project, the required materials, and how long it will take to complete the job.

You should also make sure that you actually have the skills to get the job done because some jobs may require you to hire a contractor. Don’t be tempted to take shortcuts or skip out on obtaining permits if needed. If you are unsure if your project is actually a DIY project, calling a few local home contractors can help clarify things.

Prioritize

While it may be your goal to dive in and do everything at once, it is crucial to prioritize the most important projects to complete first. The most important projects that should be done on your home are the ones that are likely to incur additional costs if they are not taking care of immediately. These projects can include:

updating old appliances
fixing cracks, leaks, and other damage
electrical and plumbing repairs

By prioritizing your projects, you can come up with a solution that works within your budget. You also want to make sure that you don’t forget about scheduling routine maintenance when making repairs on your home.

As a first-time homeowner, it may be challenging to determine the right course of action to initiate a home repair job. However, if you plan in advance and make sure that you do the research to understand what is required before you get started, you can avoid unnecessary headaches.

It is also vital that you ask family and friends for recommendations. Finding a contractor via a referral can help to ensure that you pick the right person for the job the first time.

Want to Sell Your House? Think Like Real Estate Agents Do.

By Kevin Shirley, Associate Broker (DC), GRI, ASP, e-PRO

Because real estate agents see everything in the market, we have a pretty good idea about why some houses sell (and why others sit on the market for years). Whether as a buyer or seller, anyone planning to enter the real estate market can benefit from some of the tactics and factors that real estate agents keep in mind when as they go about the business of making home sales happen.

When Speed Matters …

When the overriding goal is a quick sale, leading with a price slightly lower than what comparables suggest is the surest tactic. When a home is priced at only a fraction below market value, real estate agents know it will draw much more attention than higher-priced neighbors. Most sellers have a built-in resistance to the very idea — often because they aren’t aware of how a home loses fair value as it sits on the market. Pricing a home slightly lower right out of the gate can mean minimizing the likelihood of a lengthy DOM (“days on market”) — and the possibility of a disappointing final sale price.

Preapproval: It’s Not Final Approval

Most real estate agents have seen this more than once: A buyer is preapproved for a mortgage begins and then runs up credit cards in preparation for the move into their new home. Because lenders often re-examine a homebuyer’s credit during the closing proceedings, the result can be a higher than the initially quoted interest rate or even an outright mortgage rejection. In other words, it’s wise for buyers to continue to spend frugally until the keys are in hand after settlement!

It’s a Long Process

Real estate agents know that selling a house takes a finite amount of time, beginning with preparation, through marketing, then paperwork, then finally, closing … and that’s not counting any unexpected turns-of-events that sometimes just happen. Whether you are buying or selling, it pays to be mentally and emotionally prepared to remain as flexible as possible with all the other ongoing events in your life until the transaction is a done deal.

If you’re considering buying or selling a home shortly, there’s every reason to start preparing as early as possible. Contact me for an initial consultation — we can set up a timeline that will be the first step in keeping you well informed from start to finish!

“Location, Location, Location” Is More Than a Catch Phrase

By Kevin Reid Shirley, Associate Broker (DC), ASP, GRI, e-PRO

“There’s No Place Like Home” is one of those quaint sayings that somehow last forever, probably just because it’s so true. “Home Is Where the Heart Is” is another one: Corny, maybe, but undeniable.
There’s a strictly real estate saying that residents will recognize at once, too. Less corny as well as a good deal more practical. It’s “Location! Location! Location!” — and it’s every bit as accurate as the other ones. It’s the where of real estate, and although it is usually thought of in its commercial connection, it has major residential significance to a slightly lesser degree.

For those of us who are already residents, where our next home should be located is almost certainly one of the two or three primary considerations. But even more so for out-of-towners who will be moving into our area. After price range, it’s a ruling factor: Location, location, location — which neighborhood will be our best choice for home — is an excellent place to start

When you’re brand new to any area, just thinking “location, location, location” is one thing, but going about finding the right one promptly isn’t necessarily easy. The first step will be to consult the real estate professional you’ve teamed up with (if you need a referral, let me know!) and have an in-depth orientation conversation about local neighborhoods.

Next comes prioritizing your own preferences:

Professional. If you know the “location, location, location” of where you’ll be working, the commute distance is likely to be a key factor. The convenience of having your home as close as possible to your work will only grow with time.
School. If you have school-aged children, you’ll want to research how the schools are rated or opt for a top-notch private institution. Either way, getting the kids to and from can be less of a hassle if the home is in the right place. Location, location, etc.!
Shopping. Weekend mall visits certainly don’t need to be right around the corner, but things like visits to the grocery store can become an irritant if it involves 15-minutes each way … every day! Perhaps not a governing factor, but one that gains importance over time.
Community. Church, social groups, cultural gatherings are either to your liking or less so. Once you have gauged all of those “practical” factors, it will take some local visits and conversations with residents to get the possible communities’ real flavor — and determine which seem most inviting. Access to sports and outdoor recreational facilities also fit into this category … which, taken together, can quickly turn out to be the most essential quality-of-life factor.

Unless you happen to be a longtime local resident, many of the qualities of a listing’s “location, location, location” aren’t fully evident from the listing information. It takes some on-the-ground knowledge and (ideally) more than one visit. It also will benefit when your buyer’s REALTOR is a knowledgeable and experienced local resident … which is another good reason to give me a call!

3 House-Hunting Tips Start with Keeping Emotions in Check

By Kevin Shirley, Associate Broker (DC), e-PRO, ASP, GRI

If you’ve been house hunting for the dream home you know is out there — the one that will fit your needs, is situated in a suitable neighborhood, and fits your budget — when you home in on a likely candidate, try not to fall in love with it (at least not right away).

House hunting is a nesting exercise: part logic, part emotion. Nothing will change that. But problems can result when emotions take over early on in the process. It’s human nature to rush past what seem to be pesky little details as you near the finish line. If, later, “pesky” turns into “horrendous,” it can usually be traced to a rush to judgment born of emotion. The most productive attitude is one of patience — energized by optimism but tempered with cool judgment. When you have faith that you will find what you’ve been house hunting for, persistence comes easily.

One essential house hunting tip has to do with your original checklist. You indeed start out with a list of what your minimum requirements must be, but if you don’t keep that essential list close at hand, you are apt to fall in love with a place that’s missing one or two vital elements. If your town dream house lacks something you set out thinking of as a necessity, you’ll be much more satisfied in the end if you at least consciously decide early on that the other stunning features make the sacrifice worth the tradeoff.

The second tip category deals with maintenance…and upgrades…and décor changes…and the like. It’s about the realistic cost you will pay for necessary changes to bring the property into line with your tastes and requirements. Being realistic about the amount of effort and budget that will be required is hard to do when you are already head-over-heels with the place — but it needs to be done realistically. The bottom line for your new local digs will include changes you know you’ll be making, so estimating those costs is integral to developing a levelheaded negotiating position.

The third house hunting tip is really the most hard-headed financial factor. If the home you’re falling in love with satisfies this one, go ahead and fall — this isn’t puppy love: it looks like the real thing! This tip is sort of a romance killer (it’s like a prenup). After you’re pretty sure the property is what you’ve been looking for, stop and seriously consider what it’s resale value will be in a few years. Of course, you’re not going to sell your dream house anytime soon — but one day, you may want to do so. Will the property’s construction stand up to Father Time? Does the neighborhood look like it, too, will retain its charm (or even better, improve with the years)? And are the fine points of the house the kind that have broad appeal — and not just peculiar to the sellers (and you)?

House hunting can be fun; it can be stressful; it can be (and usually is) both. But it is a terrifically valuable use of your time. The goal is to emerge from the process with the area home that will be a pleasure to come home to for many years to come. All the better when it produces an investment that creates value as those years pass. It’s my job to assist my clients in making the most of every house hunting hour. I hope you’ll call me so we can get started!

When Career Upheaval Results in a Relocation Scramble

By Kevin Shirley, Associate Broker (DC), GRI, ASP, e-PRO

Remember the good old days, when most people could depend on staying in the same job in the same community for an entire career? Okay, the truth is, I don’t actually remember any time like that — but I do remember watching TV shows about it(!).

The truth is, as with so many other facets of 21st-century life, sudden career upheavals that cause someone to undertake an abrupt relocation are relatively common today. And accelerated timing requirements can make the situation more intense.

Even without that added obstacle, familiarity with the ins and outs of practical relocation is one of the most valuable assets you gain access to when selecting an experienced local REALTOR. Especially when a relocation is in your immediate future (even if it’s a future that became apparent without a lot of warning), the reality of having to deal with the multitude of details accompanying both moving out and moving in can seem like a vast gray, angry-looking cloud hanging overhead.

Just getting a handle on the details can go far to remove the mystery and dispel anxiety. Here is a shortlist of the elements that need to be determined and coordinated:

Professional and school requirements
Transaction imperatives in both communities
Moving and storage details
Utility requirements

Any relocation is a challenge that requires a welter of decisions in areas that fall outside what people encounter in everyday living. Fortunately, it’s a challenge that your local real estate professional encounters regularly. Help with relocation to (or from) the DC area is just one of the areas of practical expertise that you can tap into when you put an experienced REALTOR on your team.

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KEVIN SHIRLEY is a real estate professional with almost twenty-five years of experience. He is an Associate Broker with Long & Foster Real Estate in Washington, DC. He is also an Accredited Staging Professional and a Graduate of the REALTOR Institute. He graduated from the University of Mary Washington with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Classical Civilization and Art History. Find his author page on Facebook; e-mail him at kevin@realastute.com; call/text him on 202.320.6634.

When Should You Hire a Specialist Home Inspector?

Hiring a specialist home inspector can protect your investment. Call a specialist home inspector if you need help beyond the services that a generalist provides.

A homebuyer has one of the most challenging jobs to determine whether a home is suitable for purchase. Finding the right home inspector to investigate potential problems is the best way to get an accurate estimate for repairs. If the issues involve specific systems, such as heating or cooling, it is good to hire a specialist home inspector.

Hiring a home inspector can help to provide leverage during negotiations. However, the real value of hiring a home inspector comes from the fact that a home inspector can warn you about potential problems that could change your decision to buy the property.

Most homes, even new construction, have at least minor repair issues that need to be addressed. Before you invest in a property, you should consider hiring a home inspector to review the potential problems. However, general home inspectors cannot address every potential issue with a home. If there are problems with specific systems in your home, a specialist home inspector will likely be required.

Here are a few reasons why you might want to hire a specialist inspector to review your home in addition to a general home inspector.

What to Expect From a Home Inspector

“What a home inspector does is provide an independent review of the property, not influenced by any of the other professions in the transaction,” says Mike Casey, an inspector based in Haymarket, Virginia, and president of the American Society of Home Inspectors. A home inspector can warn you about potential problems with a home. In addition, since the home inspector is not paid based on the outcome of the home’s sale, the home inspector’s advice can be assumed to be reliable and objective.

However, it is crucial to understand precisely what a home inspector does and doesn’t do. Home inspectors are typically focused on assessing the following features of a home:

exterior features of the home, such as the roof, drainage, exterior walls, deck
interior features of the home, such as the windows, doors, electrical outlets, and plumbing fixtures
the attic and crawl spaces of a home to check for adequate ventilation and insulation

Home inspectors deal in the general aspects of your home. If you have concerns about the condition of a swimming pool, septic system, or appliances, you will need to call a specialist. You will also need a specialist to get involved in the electrical or plumbing systems are likely in need of significant repairs.

If Your Concerns Are Outside of What an Inspector Does

If a general home inspector has made you aware that a problem affects a specific system in your home, it is a good idea to call a specialist home inspector. The general home inspector will not diagnose problems with the electrical, plumbing, heating or cooling systems. Instead, the home inspector will advise you to find a specialist and may even recommend someone. It is up to you to do your own research to figure out if the referred specialist home inspector is a good match or if you want to hire someone else on your own.

When You Know That There Is a Specific Problem

Getting an accurate assessment of the costs of repairs on a home before you buy can ensure that you don’t buy a home that will cost you a fortune to upgrade. In addition, certain structural and electrical issues can render a home unlivable. If you plan to move in right away or start renovations so that you can sell or rent, buying a home in this condition may delay your plans indefinitely. By hiring a specialist home inspector, you can ensure that you aren’t walking into problems that you can’t readily fix.

Finding Someone Who Is Qualified

Some locations don’t have licensing requirements for home inspectors, which is why you may find a variation regarding the costs and expertise of available home inspectors. A real estate agent may be able to recommend someone to inspect your home. However, you should also make sure that you interview any potential candidates yourself.

“Specifically, ask how many years has the inspector been doing home inspections full time,” says Lance Luke of Construction Management Inspection in Hawaii. “Many inspectors say they have been in the construction or contracting field for 30 years. But they may not have been a true home inspector for the same amount of time. Thirty years in the building or engineering business does not automatically make for a good home inspector.”

Ensure that the home inspector has the proper insurance required to perform such work so that you do not become liable for any damages. In addition, you should also accompany the home inspector on the job so that you can see the issues that the home inspector finds with your own eyes. This can help you give a more thorough explanation of the home’s problems when it is time to request quotes for repair work.

By hiring a general and specialist home inspector, you can obtain a thorough report on the condition of a home that you are interested in buying. Having a clear understanding of a home’s condition before you buy can help you decide whether the home is a good investment. In some cases, you may simply want to walk away from the purchase deal after learning about the condition of a home from a specialist home inspector.