If you are buying a house in Arizona's Metro-Phoenix area, your REALTOR� will no doubt recommend having a home inspection performed during escrow. As part of the normal Arizona purchase contract, home inspections are allowed within the first 10 days of escrow (unless the Buyer has elected not to perform an inspection or has changed the number of days for the inspection within the contract). Having a home inspection performed on the property you are interested in during these first 10 days can save you money by identifying potential problems that the home may have. Home inspectors are trained & experienced in identifying potential issues with the structure and systems of a home based on standards developed by the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) and the State of Arizona. Any problems identified during the 10 day inspection Period can then negotiated by your REALTOR�, to the Seller, for repair before close of escrow or for monetary reimbursement.
Home inspectors must be licensed by the State of Arizona. Requirements for licensing include classroom instruction, supervised field experience and successful completion of a comprehensive national exam. However, once the home inspector has passed the exam, the state does not have any additional requirement for education or training. This is why it is imperative that you choose a trustworthy inspector that is highly trained and educated. Good home inspectors, who are interested in staying current with the industry, often join the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). ASHI is the oldest industry association in the country, and is a good place to look up your home inspector or to find a home inspector. ASHI members MUST attend educational seminars in order to maintain their membership status. Members of ASHI also receive monthly magazines with the latest technical advancements and information for their industry. Recent research indicates that only 15% of the licensed Arizona home inspectors are Certified ASHI Inspectors.
You should conduct your own due diligence and ask the home inspector some questions of your own. Here are a few that we suggest:
Does the home inspector provide you a detailed description of what he checks during his inspection process?
What type of inspection report will you receive after the inspection has been performed? Does it include color photos?
What is the average amount of time that the home inspection process typically takes given the size home you are trying to purchase?
How many years has the home inspector been in business?
Are there additional fees for areas of inspection that are not part of the home inspector�s normal inspection? (Example: Pool, spa, etc)
What are the fees for a home inspection & when is payment expected?
Is the home inspector a member of ASHI?
Can you be present during the home inspection?
Will the home inspector discuss any problems identified with you over the phone or in person?
Does the home inspector charge for re-inspections & if so, how much?
Bloom / Van Omen & Associates, the official real estate partner of Scottsdale.com, can assist you with this process and help you find a trained and reliable home inspector.
Contact Bloom / Van Omen & Associates Today
480-744-6357 (toll-free 800-736-2974)
or send us your request today! The Official Real Estate Partner of Scottsdale.com
