Home Inspection and Appraisal

Negotiating repairs if needed

A home inspection is designed to give a buyer a better understanding of the systems and overall condition of the home they are purchasing. There may be items that the buyer will want to have repaired. Buyer requested repairs are negotiated, and we will help you with this, including offering perspective on what is usual and customary.

The home inspection is typically set up immediately after the offer has been accepted since there is usually a 10-business day deadline for the inspections to be completed and repairs, if any, to be negotiated. It’s recommended that three inspections be done for resale and new construction properties.

Whole House Home Inspection

A home inspection typically will cover:

Exterior, porch, and deck Foundations and walls Chimneys and roof Windows, doors, and attics Electrical components and plumbing Central heating and air conditioning Basement/crawlspace and garage

Radon

Radon is a naturally occurring gas found in many areas of the Portland Metro area. If levels are over a certain amount, mitigation is advised.

Sewer Scope

A sewer scope inspection checks the sewer lines to make sure there are no problems with tree roots, pooling, cracks, holes or pipe separation.

Once the inspector or inspectors gives you the written report, you will know a lot more about the condition of the home you are purchasing and can make informed decisions about what needs repair, in consultation with us, and whether you or the seller should be responsible.

Additional inspections

Depending on the property, additional inspections may be warranted. These can include roof, mold, underground storage tank location, well tests, foundation, and others. The cost of testing can add up but is important information for a buyer to have before purchasing the home and may save a buyer thousands of dollars.

Appraisal

Once the negotiations for the inspection are complete and agreed upon, the buyer’s lender will order an appraisal. The house must appraise for the purchase price of the home for the lender to approve the loan. “I have my Real Estate License in Washington, and I have worked with many brokers over the years, and because I am not licensed in Oregon, we had to buy our new house in Oregon with an Oregon Licensed Broker. Lucky for my wife and me, we found Terri by chance and how lucky we were to find her! I wish that I worked with her when I was learning the industry because, in my opinion, she is the best-of-best. Terri was always available and quick to answer our questions and get us access to view the house we are buying. I also have never seen a broker take her household items to stage a home she is listing. Her personal touches on her listings were something I had never seen before. Good job, Terri, you earned my business for life. “