Most Destin home buyers schedule a home inspection after they make an offer on a home, typically making their purchase contingent on the seller’s repair of any defects found. Home inspections are geared to protect home buyers from unknown and potentially expensive repair issues down the road. But Destin home sellers can also profit from scheduling a home inspection before they put their home on the market. A licensed home inspector can conduct a thorough inspection of your Destin home and point out problem areas so they can be addressed before potential buyers walk through the door, removing possible impediments to the sale of your Destin home.
An experienced Destin Realtor will be able to recommend reliable local home inspectors. Unlike many states, the State of Florida requires that all home inspectors be licensed. You can verify a home inspector’s license on the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation website. Before hiring a home inspector, Destin home sellers should ask the following questions:
- What process do you use to inspect the property?
- What is your background and training? While all Florida home inspectors must be licensed, a home inspector’s background can enhance his expertise. For example, an inspector with an extensive background in residential home construction might be a better choice than an inspector with a commercial real estate background.
- What will the inspection include? Ideally, the inspection should include the interior and exterior of the house, any permanent unattached structures (such as a garage) and the yard and major landscape features (such as drainage problems or dead tree limbs).
- How long with the inspection take?
- What kind of report or paperwork will you receive after the inspection and what will it tell you? You should receive a report that clearly indicates problem areas and suggested remediation.
- What is the cost?
- Do you back your inspection with any guarantees?
