First Time Home Buyers

• A  new home is probably one of the biggest investments in one’s lifetime.
• Yes! We all like saving some money, when possible, but if you seek Peace-of-Mind, it is not wise to skip out on the property inspection just to save a few hundred dollars.

• Data shows that when a home buyer skips out on the home inspection, they regret it after spending thousands of dollars and accumulating repair costs that a certified, experienced home inspector should’ve discovered during an inspection.

True Story and Misinformation 

• A client realtor advised her that it was a waste of money doing a home inspection because the appraiser would evaluate and inspect the property for her as a part of the appraisal process, and the property had just been rehabbed.

News Flash

• The appraiser’s responsibility is to determine the value of the property, not the condition of the property. The appraiser will be in and out of the property in about 15 minutes, just long enough to capture a set amount of information like property square footage,  room count, bathroom count, basement use, property’s aesthetics, etc. This information is used to compare the subject property with similar properties within a geographic area that have sold within the last 6 months to determine what the subject property is worth.

True Story of a Disaster Averted

• A home buyer, fictitiously called Mrs. Price Shopper, called Sabreezz  Home Inspection, shopping for home inspection quotes. She was purchasing a newly rehabbed 4000+ Square feet, $400,000 home in one of Chicago’s suburbs. She said her realtor told her she didn’t need a home inspection because the appraiser would conduct an inspection. That information was inaccurate and misleading.
• Mrs. Shopper confirmed what was told to her by Sabreezz Home Inspection by asking her mortgage loan officer. She immediately called Sabreezz Home Inspection back and decided that the additional cost for her family’s peace of mind outweighed the savings of the cost of a home inspection.

Understanding the Home Buying Process

The home-buying process can be exciting, especially when you are buying your first home. However, many buyers focus on finding the perfect property and overlook the importance of a professional home inspection. A home inspection provides a detailed evaluation of a property’s condition, helping buyers identify potential problems before closing. Some people mistakenly believe that an appraisal serves the same purpose,

But appraisers primarily determine market value, not the overall condition of the home. For anyone wondering how to buy a house for the first time, scheduling a home inspection is one of the smartest decisions you can make. It helps protect your investment and provides valuable information about the property’s safety, structure, and major systems.

A Real-Life Example of Inspection Savings

One homebuyer nearly skipped her inspection after being told that the appraiser would evaluate the property. Fortunately, she decided to proceed with a professional inspection and discovered numerous issues in a recently renovated home. The inspector found electrical hazards, plumbing leaks, malfunctioning appliances, loose toilets, and HVAC problems that could have resulted in expensive repairs.

These findings allowed the buyer to renegotiate with the seller and have the necessary repairs completed before closing. This story highlights why first-time home buyer tips often emphasize the importance of inspections. Even homes that appear move-in ready can hide serious defects that only a trained inspector can identify. Investing in an inspection can save thousands of dollars and prevent future headaches.

First-Time Home Buyer Tips for Peace of Mind

When buying your first home, it is important to gather as much information as possible about the property’s condition. A thorough home inspection helps uncover hidden concerns and gives buyers confidence in their purchase decision. One of the most valuable first-time home buyer tips is to never skip an inspection simply to save money upfront. The cost of repairs after moving in can far exceed the inspection fee.

Understanding the home-buying process also means knowing when to seek professional guidance. Experienced home inspectors provide detailed reports that help buyers make informed decisions and negotiate repairs when necessary. Taking this extra step can ensure a smoother transaction and greater peace of mind as you move into your new home.

She was very happy she did!!

• The Exterior Inspection
•  During the outside inspection, the inspector discovered that one of the two air condensers wasn’t connected to any of the two-furnace ac coil and was inoperable.
• The electrical service drop wire was improperly connected to the house and was dangerously and loosely tied around the service drop conduit pipe with wire, hanging too low to the ground, where it could be reached, posing a safety hazard.
• The exterior outlets weren’t GFCI-protected. Both issues were safety hazards and should be corrected immediately before a disaster strikes.

• Interior Inspection
• When we entered the interior, all the water faucets were turned on in 4 bathrooms and kitchen areas, Immediately water from one of the drainpipes behind the wall started to pour onto the basement floor.
• The outlets in bathrooms and the kitchen weren’t GFCI  protected, a safety hazard.
• The newly installed dishwasher didn’t work.
• Two of the toilet bowls were loose, with wastewater potentially leaking onto floors.
•  The gas-burning fireplace damper was altered and didn’t work.
• Electrical outlets in the basement had open grounds, a safety hazard

Potential Repair Saving 

• Mrs. Shopper took the home inspection report and renegotiated with the seller to make the repairs before closing, and saved her family thousands of dollars by making the repairs if she had skipped out on the inspection.
• She now refers all her friends and family to Sabreezz Home Inspection

Buyers Beware

• A thorough inspection is a critical step in purchasing a home.  It is your responsibility, as the home buyer, to understand as many details as you can about the property condition you may soon call home.
• Home inspections reveal the inner workings of the property.
• At Sabreezz Home Inspection, we offer a thorough home inspection at reasonable prices. We have been doing home inspections for approximately 10 years and have been in the building industry for over 30 years as real estate developers and contractors.

• As we go through these Dog-Days of summer, we want to make it more affordable for first-time home buyers by offering you a $50 discount on your home inspection to  help you get into your new home, and with peace of mind before school returns.

•  To order service, click Sabreezz Home Inspection or call 773-312-2511 

FAQS

What is smart home connectivity?

Smart home connectivity allows devices such as lighting, security systems, thermostats, and appliances to communicate and be controlled remotely.

Why are home inspection services important for smart homes?

Home inspection services help identify issues with smart devices, electrical systems, safety features, and overall property condition.

Can a home inspection evaluate smart home technology?

Yes, a professional home inspection can assess the condition and functionality of many installed smart home systems and components.

Do smart home features increase property value?

Smart home features can improve convenience, energy efficiency, and security, and may enhance a property’s market appeal.

What should homebuyers know about connected homes?

Homebuyers should understand the operation, maintenance, security, and compatibility of connected home systems before purchasing.