For those who did inspections

What kind of things came back wrong with the house? We had our inspection today and I just got the report. We had one thing that the inspector recommended was done before close which was termite treatment and the seller's estate (it's an estate sale) agreed already to get the treatment done however there are a few more minor things that need to be fixed (trimming of a tree, suggested upgrade electrical, etc). He didn't make it seem like it was a big deal at the time but reading the report is a little scary.

All the things are things that we can either do ourselves or afford to hire out and our lawyer already said that for most part on LI unless it's something major you pretty much buy a house as is.

So if you had an inspection what kind of things came back to be fixed and also did you negotiate certain things with the seller? If so what?

Also does it make a difference for FHA loans. I heard that their appraisers are a little more strict when evaluating a homes condition. Is this true?

For those who did inspections

Electric is a suggestion on the report most likely and a tree is def you not the sellers.

Re: For those who did inspections

Things I would negotiate for leaking roof, foundation crack, sump pump, broken appliances, broken sinks, not working garge door opener, broken window, nob and tube wiring, broken outlets.

Message edited 2/14/2015 10:42:30 AM.

Re: For those who did inspections

Termite treatment is definitely on the sellers, if there is evidence of termites or tiger wood destroying insects.

Electrical upgrade (such as increasing amperage from 100 to 200 Amps) or trimming back a tree is not a must-do but a recommendation that you --as a buyer -- decide to do (or not) once you own the house.

You have to remember that you are buying the house "as is" and that, unless it's a brand new construction (and even then, there may be issues), there are always things that can be improved and upgraded. Most of what home inspectors point out are "fyis" as you for a buyer, not things that you raise with the seller.

If there are things that are broken/non functional or unsafe, then yes, you shoukd ask the seller to address them. But things that are not updated or less than ideal ? You really can't fairly ask the seller to take care of. The inspection is an opportunity to gain knowledge about the house you are buying and houses in general, not renegotiate the price with the seller.

If you have major concerns, you can always follow up wuth the inspector for clarification. Sometines they can put your mind at ease by putting things in context. It can be scary to hear things and picture $$$$ adding up, but remember that all houses have something, and if what you posted is the worst of it, then I'd say it was a pretty clean inspection. (And I am present during inspections all the time!)

As far as FHA, the appraiser will look for a few more safety/compliance issues than with a conventional loan.. But it's minor things, like missing or loose hand rails, adequate C/O and smoke detectors. They won't care about the amperage of the electrical panel, for example. Appraisers are in and out in 10-15 minutes. They don't do the type of inspection that a home inspector does.

Message edited 2/14/2015 1:11:07 PM.

For those who did inspections

We had a few random things the inspector brought up, but they were mostly FYIs. As for an FHA loan I do remember the inspector asking if we were getting an FHA loan because if we were we'd have to put railings on our back steps. We got a conventional loan, so no railing needed. Though, tbh, we really should put one up! Anything FHA requires are probably things you'll want to do anyway.

Congrats on the house!

For those who did inspections

Thanks everyone! The seller agreed to the termite treatment and is going to repair a pretty significant crack in the walkway.

The electrical stuff we left alone because we plan on upgrading the electrical before we move in and it's not worth losing the house over.