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Can I use an independent home inspector when buying a house?

On Behalf of | Feb 26, 2020 | Real Estate Law

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial commitments a person will ever make. This is why the average buyer in Illinois dedicates a significant amount of time finding the best place possible. But even if the house has the right number of rooms, is in a good location and seems to be in great shape, things are not always as they appear. Having an independent home inspector check things out can be the difference between purchasing a dream home and a nightmare.

The point of a home inspection is to ascertain whether there are any significant problems with a house. When a seller puts a home on the market, he or she usually accentuates the best parts that are most likely to draw buyers’ attention. However, the seller will also do his or her best to avert attention away from flaws or defects. This may make it easier for an inspector to miss problems with the house, especially if he or she was hired by the seller.

Instead of accepting a seller’s home inspection report as factual, a buyer should consider bringing in an independent inspector. His or her realtor might be able to suggest a trustworthy inspector. Using the exact same inspector as the realtor is not always advisable, though. Just like the seller, the realtor will also have a lot at stake in that particular sale.

Getting an accurate report from an independent home inspector is essential to making an informed purchase. When a seller does not disclose important flaws or an inspector leaves out vital information in a report, the buyer ends up taking on a lot more than he or she planned. This can be very frustrating, but speaking with an attorney who is experienced in Illinois real estate law might be helpful.