The Road to Buying a House... Volume 3

I am learning so much as we progress through the home buying process!  The past two weeks revolved around the home inspection, paperwork, more paperwork, and signing our mortgage application.  I didn't know where to begin to look for a home inspector, but thankfully I have a close coworker and friend whose husband is a realtor and was able to make a good recommendation.  I called him up, asked a few questions, and we hired him.  I was able to be present for the entire inspection, which was really helpful.  

I will admit that the inspection process was more than a little stressful as it forces the buyer to look at this "dream house" in a new light, recognizing and gaining awareness of every little scratch, dent, and imperfection.  I was frustrated at discovering scratches in the stucco, closet doors that stick, and a leaky faucet -- not to mention the ABSENCE of evaporated cooling, which the house was advertised to have (this was our biggest setback of the week) -- but at the end of the day I was still excited about the possibility of owning this beautiful house, and enthusiastic about jumping on a few projects as soon as we move in.

Here's what I learned so far about home inspectors:
1.  Good home inspectors are THOROUGH.  They don't miss anything.  This process should take at least three hours, depending on the size of the house.

2.  Home inspectors are also gymnasts.  If they don't slide through crawl spaces, climb up on the roof, and inspect nooks and crannies of the yard, then they're not doing their job.

3.  Home inspectors aren't hired to answer the looming question To Buy or Not To Buy -- that's up to the buyer -- but the answer should be evident based on the inspector's careful documentation of potential major issues in the home.

4.  Home inspectors are photographers.  Or at least they should be.  A thorough report should include photographs documenting the things that were noticed.

5.  Home inspectors work hard for their money.  Don't go with the cheapest option out there.  $500 is pennies in the grand scheme of buying a house, and it's worth it to make sure your report is accurate and guides you toward making the right decision.


With the inspection complete and negotiations agreed upon regarding the nonexistent evaporative cooling and a few roof issues that need to be addressed, we are on track to closing on March 24th!  We signed our preliminary loan application this week and our mortgage package is being prepared for underwriting.  Oh, and we bought new furniture!  Yay!

Sneak peak... (since it's almost official)...

Next steps... the Appraisal, and Homeowner's Insurance, and packing!