Home Buyers Inspection Service, LLC
Established 1994
Richard W. Guest, Inspector
Notice:
It's a buyer's market now, however be sure you
know what you're getting into when looking at that "perfect home."
A lot of cosmetic work is typically done so the seller can sell at a higher price.
Know what you're looking at as far as potential major problems and future problems.
Since most real estate agencies have lists of inspectors they "prefer" you to contact,
be sure you choose an inspector who looks out for your personal interests instead
of one who is concerned about from where they will get future referrals.
We've actually been told by real estate agents that we are on their "black list"
of inspectors who they try to dissuade buyers from
using because they don't want to risk losing a sale.
The truth is, all real estate agents want to sell the home!
We have no problem with that as that is their business.
It is our opinion that the truth is the truth.
If there are problems, let them be known.
All our inspections are a result of word-of-mouth from previous clients and from repeat
clients who have had us do a prior inspection and backed out of the deal due to major
problems with the home (some were actually brand new homes). Many times,
our clients have us inspect several homes until they find the one which suits them.
On numerous occasions, there have been clients who actually had us inspect
three to five different homes for them before they found the home they could
really afford (as far as the price of the home plus needed work).
Your purchase of a home is one of the most important, and perhaps the most complex decision that you may face in life. You are going to enter into a heavy financial commitment made over a period of many years. The question you must ask is: "Can we afford to purchase this particular home and will we be able to continue to afford living there?" Many of us will "sign our life away" to complete this transaction.
Aside from the financial considerations pertinent questions like the following need to be fully answered:
Will the property increase or decrease in value over the years?
Are all mechanical functions operating safely and properly (heat, air conditioning, plumbing)?
Is electric service grounded, installed according to code and operating safely and properly?
Is the structure located in a flood plain or swampy area? Are there water or mud problems any time of the year?
What if our family expands? Is this particular home suitable for expansion?
Does the present physical condition of the home correlate with the selling price?
Is there potential for unexpected repairs in the future?
Professional assistance is the best solution for you, the buyer, in making an intelligent decision.
The physical condition of the home is critical with regard to answering the question of whether the home is affordable to you, both in the short term and the long term. Most buyers are not experienced in looking for and anticipating potential structural or maintenance problems without the help of a professional home inspector.
Any major structural defect that goes undetected can be very costly. In fact, any undiscovered problem works against you, the buyer, in two important ways:
Your inability to properly estimate ongoing maintenance costs.
Your inability to negotiate a fair purchase price taking into account defects not spelled out on the Seller Disclosure Form.
Through our inspection service you have an opportunity to have a professional represent your interests. At the end of the inspection, we discuss with you all the findings and give you the option to decide if you need a typed report and, if so, which problems you would like explained, in detail, in the customized (transcribed) typed report. This enables you, the buyer, to make a sound decision based on specific findings during the inspection. Since the inspection is narrative and notes are recorded by us onto a tape recorder, any typed reports can be produced at a later time, if needed. The microcassette tape we use is retained by HBIS as a permanent record of both our findings and verbal report to you during the inspection.
In economic language, the Latin term "caveat emptor" means "buyer beware." When purchasing a home you need to "beware" by being aware! Your awareness is sharpened by asking us to perform a detailed and comprehensive inspection of your prospective property.
Map furnished from Licensed Microsoft Streets & Trips 2003 Software
Over 750 inspections performed between 1994 and 2009 as indicated by the pushpin locations on this map. The majority of our inspections come from "word of mouth" advertising from previous clients—as we have a reputation for being extremely thorough.
This map illustrates our service area.
Call Richard Guest 802-748-5505
Cast your burden upon the Lord, and He will sustain you;
He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.
Psalm 55:22
This page visited by people from the following locations (added October 16, 2009)
Richard W. Guest
Home Buyers Inspection Service, LLC
Saint Johnsbury, Vermont, USA
(802) 748-5505
email: r.guest@vermontinspector.com
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Copyright ©1994-2009 Home Buyers Inspection Service, LLC All rights reserved. Designated trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners.
Created: 01/02/2006
Revised: 10/16/2009 07:30:46 -0400
Webmaster: Richard W. Guest