This is it … Your Dream Home … Or is it?
Even if you think you have found your “dream home,” it is a home inspector’s responsibility to let you know that your “dream home” may not be just right.
In our opinion, a home inspection is an essential step in the home buying process. Alabama law employs a rule known as caveat emptor for the sale of resale residential property. Caveat emptor is Latin for “let the buyer beware,” which means that the seller has no actual duty to advise the buyer of issues with the property’s physical condition during the sale, with the exception to health & safety issues, fiduciary relationship, and direct questions. *
Purchasing a home can be a dream come true, but it’s also a huge commitment. A home inspection is sort of like a home checkup. The inspector checks and notes everything from the major HVAC and electrical systems to small ticket items, like paint nicks and normal wear & tear. You may never know what problems are lurking underneath the surface of a property. A licensed home inspector enters a property with an unbiased opinion. The idea is to inform you, the homebuyer, of anything that you may have glazed over during your home search.
Upon receiving your home inspection report, you’ll be able to review all details of your future home in an official inspection report. Your agent will then assist you with repair negotiations, if needed.
Remember, the reason you’re getting the inspection is to uncover problems with large-ticket items that might postpone or cancel the transaction. Home inspections are a big deal, and we highly recommend them!
A few notes on Caveat Emptor
There are three exceptions to caveat emptor in Alabama. Sellers become legally responsible for disclosing defects to the buyer if:
- A fiduciary relationship exists between buyer and seller
- Healthy and Safety: The seller knows the home contains a material defect not readily seen by the buyer and that could pose a health or safety risk to the buyer.
- The buyer directly questions the seller on specific defects.
Start your home search with a professional by your side. To start your search email info@newwatersrealty.com or give us a call at 334-272-3200.