There’s no hiding it: Toronto is a tough real estate market. It’s even tougher if you’re a first-time homebuyer. Not only is Toronto one of the most expensive cities to buy a home in, in Canada, bidding wars have become the norm. If you’re a buyer, you no longer have time to think about whether or not you want to buy a particular home; either you put in an offer or someone else does. For that reason, it’s important to have a home inspector lined up ahead of time, because you never know when you’ll need them at a moment’s notice.
What is a Home Inspection?
A home inspection is a visual, non-invasive examination of the condition of a home. A thorough inspection involves assessing your home from top to bottom. From the roof on your house to the furnace in your basement, an inspection covers the most important parts of your home – that includes taking a good look at the parts that will require regular maintenance. The purpose of a home inspection is to protect the buyer from any unforeseen and expensive repairs. A proper home inspection should list all major defects and imminent repairs and maintenance; this often helps the homebuyer make their final decision on whether or not they want to buy the house.
Why You Should Still Get a Home Inspection in Toronto
In a balanced market, buyers and sellers are on even footing. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case in Toronto where, due to a shortage of new listings, sellers often call the shots. If you’re in a multiple offer situation, you might think twice about getting a home inspection in Toronto. Before you skip it, it’s important to be aware of the risks involved with doing so. Although a house may look fine on the outside, it can have issues inside that may make your house uninsurable. A home inspection can help make you aware of costly repairs. And if you’re never owned a house before, an inspection is a great opportunity to learn the inner workings of one. If you want to present a clean offer, free from conditions, you can always request a pre-inspection; this will give you peace of mind knowing you’re buying a solid house.
How to Find a Home Inspector in Toronto
Family and friends are a great place to start, when looking for a home inspector. You can also ask your real estate agent, but keep in mind they have a vested interest in seeing you buy the house. Industry websites like the Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors (CAHPI) are a good source for home inspectors, as are the Yellow Pages. MyClosingCosts.ca is a great source for home inspectors. We provide you with a list of the best inspectors in your area. Before you agree to work with a home inspector in Toronto, find out if they are associated with CAHPI, and ask them about their experience as well as for three references.
