Get a Home Inspection when you Purchase a Daytona Beach Property

Even though prices look real good for the short sales and bank-owned Daytona Beach properties on the market, and present great opportunities for buyers to build their own "sweat equity," beware of buying a "fixer" without doing your homework.

If a private party still owns the home, as in a short sale, the seller has to give the buyer a disclosure statement pointing out possible reasons the value may be reduced - such as repairs which need to be completed. But if the bank owns the home, the buyer will get no disclosure. And Buyer Beware couldn't be more true. It is worth your money - as the buyer - to hire a reputable Home Inspector in any of these situations.

A good home inspection can save a buyer thousands of dollars, by uncovering existing and potential problems in the home's structure, roof, electrical, plumbing, heating and air-conditioning systems and other areas. It also can save some cash on home-insurance rates. Even if you are considering a condo, you have plumbing, electrical, and wood issues inside and can use a professional opinion of the external condition.

"An inspection lets people know the condition of the home and what they are getting into. Some purchases are contingent on an inspection," said Jim Boyett, owner of Quality Home Inspections in Ormond Beach. "We tell them the condition of the home. It's up to the buyer to make the final decision."

Look for a Home Inspector who uses the NACHI standards, because private home inspectors -- other than government code and building inspectors -- are not certified or licensed by the state and inspection companies are not registered, for now.

In 2007, the Legislature passed a law requiring home inspectors get licensed through a program of required education, tests, insurance, recurring training and experience to be in place by July 1, 2010. Since the state has no regulations to enforce, there is no record of complaints.

Just understand this licensing process and realize you need to check out the inspector you choose - but that shouldn't mean that you don't hire one. Many home inspectors have web sites that list credentials including state contractor licenses and other certifications. Verify those state documents online at myfloridalicense.com. Home-inspection associations with web sites that list their members include the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors, American Society of Home Inspector, National Association of Home Inspectors and the Florida Association of Building Inspectors. Each has varying member requirements for required courses, tests, insurance, continuing education hours and experience. Members must also follow the association's inspection standards, which prohibit the taking apart of units, and code of ethics.

As an experienced realtor in the Daytona Beach area, I can recommend experienced, reputable home inspectors. Don't lose thousands after the purchase when you could have found problems before you sign. It's a Buyer's Market - just do your homework - and let me help.

Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
yourkeytothebeach@gmail.com
www.sherryarmstrong.com
www.daytonabeachflhome.com