Protecting Yourself Before Buying That House

As a new home buyer, prepare yourself to make one of the most important decisions over the course of your life.

For many people, this is their single biggest purchase and a major investment in their future.

However, though buying a house can be a great way to build wealth and create a home for yourself and your family, there are serious risks in making such an important purchase.

As such, some key items should be considered in the process of new home buying. Whether that’s in having ample homeowners insurance, or getting the right inspector, being prepared for a new home doesn’t have to be difficult. 

Keep reading as we offer our top need-to-know tips before buying a home. You can also get legal help today by entering your ZIP code in our free tool.

Getting a Home Inspection

The first and most important thing a potential buyer can do is find a certified home inspector.

The inspector knows the ins and outs of what makes a home structurally sound, as well as the relevant building codes, and can observe what you never would have noticed. 

It is well worth the investment to hire a home inspector before you consider finalizing your offer. It’s also worth it to invest in an inspector who adheres to good standards of practice.

In fact, any offer that you put in to buy a house should have a clause specifying that the home purchase is contingent on the house passing inspection. 

Details of Your Home Purchase Contract

Aside from making sure your offer spells out the right to have the house inspected, you will want to make certain that the contract for sale is very clear on what you are getting. For instance,

• Will the homeowners be leaving the appliances?
• What about wall-mounted flat-screen TVs, light fixtures, frames, etc.?

You need to know exactly what you are getting as you are buying a house, because even if it passes inspection, you may not be too happy if you move in and find the stove has been ripped from the wall, and you have nothing but a gaping hole. 

Getting Help Buying a New Home

These are just a few examples of what buyers need to look out for when dealing with a home purchase. You will need to be sure your rights are protected in every aspect of the transaction, from getting a mortgage, making an offer, to getting a clean title to your home.