How will I know the property doesn t have some hidden defect or that it won t be a “money pit”?
Every house, no matter how new or old, will need maintenance from time to time. You know within yourself how much skill, energy or time you have to devote to such tasks, and you will choose a house accordingly. To be sure you have a good sense of what you are getting into, your offer will include inspection contingencies. I always recommend a “property inspection” contingency to my buyers so they will have a period of time when a professional home inspector will look over the entire property with thoroughness and care and will issue a written report detailing its condition. Other possible inspections to have include environmental issues like radon, asbestos, lead in water or paint, and underground tanks, wood infestation, and water or sewer inspections when the property has a well or a private sewer system. Many of these inspections are commonly done and good inspectors are readily available. Your choice of inspections may depend on the strategies in your offer.
