When checking out homes for sale in Myrtle Beach, it is normal for homebuyers to do a basic inspection on the house. During this overall walk through, the homebuyer will decide whether or not to pursue the purchase. If he likes what he sees, he will make an offer and when the seller accepts, it is now time to bring in a professional inspector to conduct a thorough look at all aspects of the house.
If you are considering buying a house and are currently looking at homes, here are some important things you may want to keep in mind when having the house you chose to buy professionally inspected.
Home Inspection Check List
1. Tag along in the inspection. You should consider going along with the professional inspector as he goes through the house. Keep in mind, however, that you are there more for the reason of increasing your knowledge about the house and not for continuously pointing out everything you see. You may want to bring a notepad so you can take down notes and reminders from the inspector. Part of the inspection process is checking out the efficiency of all systems and the inspector may want to share with you some tips on how to maintain and take care of these systems.
2. Take note of the necessary repairs. As you go through the house, the inspector will point out the areas that need repairs. Jot them down as well as the type of repair needed and when it should be repaired. Keep in mind that there are repairs that can be postponed until you have settled in the house and there are repairs that are needed to be done as soon as possible. Discuss these immediate repairs with the seller and negotiate how you both will pay for the costs.
3. Confirm the age of the roof. Some homes for sale in Myrtle Beach have an older roof. If the inspector cannot be certain about the age of the roof, you should confirm with the owner or seller of the house. It is critical that you know this information as this will serve as your guide on when to have the roofing replaced. On the other hand, if the roof shows several signs of wear and tear, it might be a good idea to have it replaced now than wait until the end of its lifespan.
4. Check the energy efficiency of the HVAC system. You want an HVAC system that is still good as new. If possible, it should only be a couple of years old so you can maximize its benefits. Otherwise, you will have to replace it soon. If the HVAC system is still new, make sure it is energy efficient so you will not have to pay high utility bills at the end of every month. If not, you should include replacing the HVAC system in your list of to-do’s for when you have moved in.
5. Plumbing pipes should be copper and not galvanized. Remember that the standard and requirement for plumbing pipes today is that it should be copper. If you find that the pipes in the house are still galvanized, consider having this replaced before moving in.
Buying Myrtle Beach Homes For Sale: The Final Walk-Through
When buying Myrtle Beach homes , visiting the house once is often not enough for you to sign the contract and seal the deal. Many real estate professionals recommend visiting the house several more times throughout the home buying process to ensure that you are buying the right house for you and your family.
In fact, a lot of the real estate agents you work with will suggest going back to the house at different times of the day and different days of the week. This will allow you to see how the house looks and feels at different times. Also, it will give you a glimpse into the days and times when the neighborhood tends to be busy and noisy – an important factor if have small children.
Aside from these, however, Full Potential Real Estate also suggests doing a final walk-through even after everything has been finalized and agreed upon.
Why do a final walk-through when buying Myrtle Beach homes for sale?
A final walk-through is necessary for buyers to ensure that nothing has changed in the house since your last visit. Remember what things you saw in your first visit that prompted you to pursue buying the house. This may include things like the new or recently repaired kitchen and bathroom fixtures or the spacious closet under the stairs. Doing a final walk-through will help ensure that what you saw in the house the first time you visited stays in the house until you move in.
Aside from this, you also need to do the final walk-through to ensure that the seller has completed his part of the deal, particularly regarding repairs that you have discussed during the negotiation process. The house might need some minor repairs that the seller has agreed to do before closing and you will need to confirm their completion during the walk-through.
The walk-through will also allow you to verify that the terms indicated in your contract have been met. Walk-through’s can be informal where you go through the house one last time checking off items on your list of things to check and confirm. It can also be in a formal set up where you go through the house with the seller or his representative checking each item off your list. Once done, you and the seller or his representative will both sign a contract to indicate that the results of the final walk-through.
What you need to know about the final walk-through
The final walk-through is an important aspect of the entire process of buying Myrtle Beach homes for sale. This is often what seals the deal and establishes a stronger relationship between seller and buyer. It helps ensure that both parties are doing their end of the deal.
You should know, however, that a walk-through is different from a home inspection. Although you will need to do some checking and inspecting to make sure all the previously agreed repairs have been completed, you will not have to check every single fixture and test every single plug and switch as you go through the entire house. A walk-through often takes a shorter time than an overall home inspection. Plus, you do not need to hire a professional for the walk-through as you can do this on your own or with the assistance of your real estate agent.
It is important that you take a copy of the contract with you when doing the final walk-through. This can serve as your list of things to check as you go through the house. Alternatively, you can also make a list of things that you want to check.
Here are some ideas on what to include in your list:
- Exterior damage to the home due to strong winds and storms that happened since your last visit.
- Fixtures and furniture that the seller has agreed to leave behind or as part of your purchase.
- Properly working outlets and light switches.
- Plumbing leaks that were not there when you first visited.
- Status of the repairs that the seller has agreed to do.
- Unwanted items or trash inside closets and cabinets.
- Disturbed lawn due to dug up trees or shrubs in the backyard.
The final walk-through should not take too long. It often takes 1 to 2 hours. Remember that this allows you to ensure that you are getting the house that you paid for. For professional assistance when buying Myrtle Beach homes for sale, call Full Potential Real Estate today and speak with their representative.
Looking for professional assistance in checking out homes for sale in Myrtle Beach? Contact a real estate agent at Full Potential Real Estate, LLC now.
Full Potential Real Estate, LLC
4201 Carolina Exchange Drive Suite 202
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
843-236-0203
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