Have you ever wondered if an inspection is worth the money? 

I just had a closing on a property in Cottage Grove where my client saved himself time, money and stress by having a licensed inspector go through the house before finalizing the purchase agreement.  Although this Cottage Grove home was in good overall condition, the inspector noticed many things that the average consumer does not notice like faulty or lack of Ground Fault Indicators, Reverse Polarity of wiring and loose shingles within the nooks and crannies of the roof.

With the inspectors report in hand, we were able to go back to the seller and negotiate fixes to be completed before the closing – we did the final walk thru today and everything was taken care of.  Again, this saved my client from having to do the work himself and ensured that he was moving into a more sound and hazard free house.

Qualities of a good inspector:

• Can fit your inspection in within 3 days (typical inspection contingency timeline on a purchase agreement).
• Shows up prepared with all needed equipment and works throroughly yet efficiently.
• Offers explanations to you during the inspection.
• Allows you to ask questions during the inspection.
• Takes thorough notes and promptly records them.
• Takes photos of any issues of concern for documentation.
• Promptly gives you a copy of an inspection report for your records.

So, what about the Truth in Sale of Housing report (as required in St Paul and Minneapolis)?  Won’t that tell me everything I need to know?

This report is filled out by private evaluators that are licensed by the respective city.  These reports are based only on visual inspections but do not guarantee the condition of the home’s components or fixtures.  Also, and importantly, these evaluators are not required to ignite heating systems, get up onto the roof or inspect other areas that are difficult to access.   The reports are typically advisory in nature and not as thorough as a private home inspection – although Minneapolis does have a “required repair” list at the end of the report since 1999.

Bottom line, should you hire a licensed inspector in the Twin Cities and what can you expect?

• Home sellers are more willing to accept a purchase agreement contingent on an inspector.
• You can utilize the inspector’s findings (like my client did) to leverage repairs or reductions in purchase price.
• The Seller’s Property Disclosure Statement or Alternative only gives you information that the home seller knows about or can recall during the time that they owned / occupied the property.
• You will learn alot just by following the inspector around the home.
• A thorough private home inspection will last approximately 3 hours and cost you about $350.

Here’s a home inspector that I have worked with and highly recommend:

Win Home Inspections

Steve Stalock

952.891.4455

Although, you can do a home inspection on your own, I highly recommend hiring a professional home inspector to each and every client of mine and anyone looking to purchase a home.

Jen McKinnon

Realtor / Investor

AGENT REFERRAL NETWORK

Member of the MN Real Estate Team – #1 Real Estate Team in MN 2006,2007&2008