Inspection - A double edged sword
A great home inspector is rarer than a four leaf clover, and far more valuable.
Home inspectors are the people you pay to go through that house you found, find out all its flaws, and assess their seriousness, in writing.
Great ones will understand not only construction and systems, but can tell which problems are red flags, and which ones are the home’s personal quirks - something to be aware of and accommodate.
I’ve seen the best, and I’ve seen some that don’t measure up.
When it’s an old house they’re looking at, it’s a particular problem. Old houses should be judged by a different standard. They won’t be perfect. But if they’re solid, if the important things are updated and in good shape, a few wrinkles and sags can be forgiven.
Careless inspectors are no help at all to a buyer. They miss things, or they minimize things.
Overachieving inspectors find everything, including things that aren’t issues, and wave red flags over everything. They try to prove their expertise by finding problems.
Old house owners would be wise to get their own inspection prior to putting a house up for sale. It’s good to have a second opinion when an alarmist inspection report comes in.
And buyers? Get references. Make sure your inspector knows old houses. You want to be informed by that inspection report, not scared silly.