Why Homebuyers in Fargo-Moorhead Trust a Navy Veteran and Former Home Inspector Turned Realtor

Many needless fears and myths surround home inspections. But it doesn't have to be that way, especially if the agent you're working with has a history as a home inspector.

A home inspector turned real estate agent can put you ahead of the game in your buying and selling process. Here's how.

1. They Can Give You a Better Understanding of the Property's Condition

After conducting hundreds of home inspections themselves, a home inspector turned real estate agent will be better able to inform you about the condition of the home based on the inspection report findings.

Imagine having someone in your corner who can explain what certain defects mean from the inspection report and guide you on your options. For example, sometimes defects can sound worse than they are or not nearly scary enough. Having someone on your team offer a perspective on things can be invaluable for you.

2. They Can Help You Know Your Options

When you've fallen in love with a house or property, it's not uncommon for potential buyers to overlook the importance of getting an inspection, skip it, and then regret it later.

An agent with a home inspector background can remove the fear surrounding home inspections by laying out the many options you have. For example, they'll be able to tell you: 

• When to walk away. Helping you translate major structural issues, severe water damage, or mold from your inspection report will be a major asset for making an informed decision that's best for the long run.
• When to re-evaluate. Knowing the industry, a prior home inspector turned agent can let you know when reported findings seem exaggerated and suggest bringing in more specialized experts to take another look.
• When to renegotiate. For some issues, it may be in your best interest to have the seller cover the cost of repairs or lower the purchase amount accordingly.
• When to feel confident proceeding. Knowing which reported findings are cosmetic or minor will help you skip more negotiation and feel confident in moving forward.
  

3. They Can Decipher Facts from Fiction

Does a long inspection report mean the property is trash? Do sellers have to fix everything in the report? What happens if the home fails an inspection?

Questions like these are why you need someone you trust on your team. It's so easy to fall into a rabbit hole of "what ifs" and miss the truth of what is fact and what is a myth.

The truth is:

• Your agent will guide you on what you can and can't request from the seller
  based on your inspection report.
• You don't have to share the inspection with anyone.
  A home inspector works for the person paying for the inspection, so if you want to keep the findings to yourself, you can. However, you'll want to share it with your agent, who can help you understand the report and negotiate appropriately based on the findings. See the advantage in this scenario of having an inspector-turned-agent?
• Not all home inspectors are the same.
  As with any profession, home inspectors have different backgrounds, have taken various exams, and might or might not be licensed. Just as a word-of-mouth referral for a mechanic is better than "hoping for the best," having an agent connect you with the best home inspectors in the business can only benefit you.

Home Inspector + Veteran + Real Estate Agent = A Winning Combination

Eric Christians of Christians Home Crew offers you a one-of-a-kind trifecta for buying or selling your home: a home inspector for ten years, the courage, honesty, and discipline of a Navy Veteran, and the knowledge and expertise as a licensed REALTOR®, you're in good hands.

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