So, you made your offer and it has been accepted. From a paperwork perspective, you have forwarded your executed contract to both your attorney and your mortgage loan officer. The Attorney Review process can take as little as a day or a much as 10 days, depending on any unusual contract provisions or any amendments to the contract being sought; the average is about 3 days in Northern NJ.
So, what is your next step? Scheduling a Home Inspection. You have already indicated a time frame during which you will have your new home inspected. But, you haven't done this before, so who do you chose? Do i really need an inspection?
The answer the latter is YES!. I'm reminded of a story I read when I first started where a buyer bought a newly constructed home. He moved in during the summer and couldn't wait to have his family visit for Christmas. The big surprise wasn't what was put under the tree, it was what wasn't put in his guest bathroom: plumbing. While the bathroom had a tub, toilet and sink, none of them were ever hooked up to water sources. So, this poor buyer had to have his bathroom redone at his expense.
It's important to note that your home inspection is a very important part of any home buying process; an inspection that is done well can save you a huge amount of money and headaches. For this reason, choosing the right home inspector is crucial. Obviously, a referral--from your agent or a friend--is the best way to find a great home inspector. A good agent recommends more than one, often providing you with an area list of qualified
NAHI approved inspectors, so here are some tips to help you choose wisely:
Find out how long they’ve been in business. Not all good inspectors have been in business for decades, but a lengthy career does often, at the very least, indicate a level of proficiency and customer satisfaction.
Speaking of customers, read client testimonials. Are they from clients or real estate agents? Do they have testimonials from three delighted clients, or thirty? Look for reviews that mention thoroughness or punctuality, or anything else you want in an inspector.
Read about their qualifications and experience. Look out for clever wording like “10 years of industry experience.” This doesn’t equate to 10 years of home inspection experience. And, more importantly, can your inspector accommodate the full scope of your inspection needs? Do they have engineering experience (to help with structural observations)? Do they conduct the termite and pest inspection or, do they have you "hire" a separate inspector for that (also a way some inspectors play with their fees)? What about lead paint testing? Will they go up on your roof? These are questions you might want to ask as these are components of what should be evaluated when buying a home.
Lasly, view a sample inspection report. If there isn’t one available or you need to send the inspector an email to request one, it’s probably for good reason. Home Inspectors that are proud of their reports practically want to push the report into your lap and you want to make sure that the report is something you can easily understand so you have a document you can work with your attorney and Realtor. And like so many purchasing decisions we make in our likes, I strongly recommend not making price your primary concern, as any issues revealed in a home inspection will more than pay for the cost of the inspection itself, no matter how much it ends up costing.
Mark Slade
Keller Williams
917.797.5059
Good Homes
Selling a Maplewood/South Orange/Millburn/Short Hills area home involves many steps and having an experienced Maplewood New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor®, specializing in the Bedroom Communities of New York City in Essex/Union County— Millburn, Short Hills, Montclair, West Orange, South Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, Springfield, Summit, Madison, Chatham, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Cranford and Westfield--by your side will make the transaction run a lot smoother. I would love to be your Maplewood/South Orange New Jersey Area Real Estate Professional! I assist both buyers and sellers in the Bedroom Communities of New York City, mostly served by NJ Transit’s Mid-Town Direct Train Lines, offering commutes of 45minute or less to NY Penn Station, with either the purchase and or sale of residential real estate.
As an Accredited Buyer’s Agent (pending), I have received special training to guide and educate you through the entire home buying process. From start to finish, I listen to your needs and desires in what you would like and take the information you give me to find you home. My GO-TO team can provide you the best in Real Estate advice with regard to attorney choices, Home Inspectors and Mortgage Loan Officers
As your Maplewood/South Orange/Millburn/Short Hills/Essex/Union County New Jersey listing agent I am well versed on as your local expert in all things in the Maplewood and South Orange area Real Estate Market. You can expect personalized service that includes a detailed consultation on how to best position your Mid-Town Direct home to be competitive in today’s market with training to provide my clients with an in-depth Advanced Comparative Market analysis, and advice on staging. As my office’s technology officer as well as both a Zillow Platinum Premier and Trulia Premier agent, I use the latest and most up-to-date marketing methods to get your home in front of as many buyers as possible. Being your New Jersey Real Estate Agent and Realtor ® not only involves just finding the home or selling the home, but being your guide, negotiator, advisor and advocate and making sure that your needs and goals are met. Being your New Jersey Essex/Union County area Realtor® (with a little bit of Morris Cty thrown in for good measure) is one of my truest passions, and “Helping You Find Your Dream Home” is my number one priority.
