Touring homes? Take this checklist with you.
While nothing can substitute for a thorough inspection by a licensed professional, this list may help you pass on a few lemons.
Greater Boston’s housing market is so competitive that almost everything is on the table when it comes to scoring a winning bid, even waiving inspection contingencies.
Many realtors don’t endorse this, as inspections are an important step in the home-buying process and can protect prospective buyers from major expenses. But there are key things to look for when deciding whether a property is your future dream home.
Home inspectors Harold Popp, with Mt. Vernon Inspection Associates, and Laurie Delmolino, with Compass Home Inspections, gave the Globe a run-down of vital areas to check during a home tour. This checklist is a baseline for making sure a home is up-to-date on the essentials.
Both Popp and Delmolino recommended asking the listing agent as many questions as possible and stressed that a full inspection is still the best way to know whether a home is in optimal condition.
“I do not recommend purchasing a house without a home inspection,’’ Popp added. “This [list] is really just a Band-Aid until your buyer can arrange to have the house professionally inspected.’’
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