we are looking to purchase in Isabela area and i'm not sure how it works to hire a home inspector. would the inspector spend the day with us checking out houses? and if so, how much does that cost?
Isabella Home Inspector
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487
Hello i have no answers, just wanted to sat hello. We are located in quebradillas
Until your lawyer sees a title i wouldn't spend the monet on an inspection
953
Personally, I think having a house inspection is a good idea.
I have used inspection services previously in the states (Alaska) and considered the money well spent. However I am not sure that in PR inspection services are available. If you do find one, I think checking referrals and qualifications would be wise.
Perhaps some of the real estate folks on this board know about inspection services.
63
There are inspectors available but it's best to select a house that you are interested in first and have a passing inspection be a contingency on the purchase contract. Note most properties are sold as is so don't expect a seller to fix anything but it is very typical for most purchase contracts to allow 10-15 days for you to get an inspection completed for your own personal peace of mind before getting to far into the transaction. Price varies depending on square footage of the property.
953
Good to know. Are the inspectors licensed or regulated by law? How do you know that they are qualified? Or can anyone declare themselves an inspector without any qualifications? 🤨
487
My point is that many try to sell and legally cant, then there are years of disputes and waiting. Make sure they have the title first, reason is because if you have an inspection and now you are waiting years for the process of the property then you will have to get another inspection. Its a waste of money
Also as have been mentioned on here most places are sold as is anyways
5509
LarryJohnsonPR wrote:There are inspectors available but it's best to select a house that you are interested in first and have a passing inspection be a contingency on the purchase contract. Note most properties are sold as is so don't expect a seller to fix anything but it is very typical for most purchase contracts to allow 10-15 days for you to get an inspection completed for your own personal peace of mind before getting to far into the transaction. Price varies depending on square footage of the property.
First you need to make sure the person has a clear title for the property, a title search is needed and verification of the identity of the owner.
I agree with Larry.
Until you have a formal inspection, you have no idea what mess you are getting into or how bad is going to be the bill to repair the issues.
I would make the Purchase agreement contingent on the following:
a) Closing must occur within 90 days of the signing of the Offer / Purchase agreement, otherwise you are to get your deposit back. This would have an out where both the seller and buyer may agreed to a time extension. Use a number of days you are comfortable with but in most cases 90 days is good.
b) Clear title Lawyer
c) All taxes payed and up to date
d) Home inspection show no significant issues that would cost the buyer more than X amount to repair. Period for this to start after clear title has been verified.
e) Home appraisal is equal or more than the price agreed to in the purchase agreement. You don't want to overpay for the property. Period for this to start after clear title has been verified.
Once you know the condition of the place and have an idea how much effort and money it will take to get the place in shape, you may want to either walk away and get your money back, or renegotiate a new offer.
Given the glut of properties, few sellers would not agree to the above, make sure it is part of the offer agreement and in writing, or you may loose your money. Always have the Owner sign the agreement first, then you sign it and give it to your lawyer.
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