Ask Jackie!

Home Inspection Edition 

Selling a home can feel like a stressful time.  You decide to put your home on the market, select a realtor, get it ready for showings, and then hopefully review multiple purchase offers.  By the time the home inspection report comes in, anything other than “perfect” can feel like a deal breaker.  

I promise you, it is not.  

I’ve answered some of the most common home inspection questions for you below, so when you read the report, it won’t feel so scary.  

Who pays for the home inspection?

The buyer always pays for the inspection.  

Do you have to have a home inspection?

I strongly advise my buyers to always have an inspection.  However, the state of New Jersey doesn’t require it.  In today’s competitive market, some buyers are having the inspections focus only on structural and environmental concerns.  

Who goes to the home inspection?

The home inspector is often joined by the buyer and the buyer’s real estate agent. I often recommend this as it is a great way for the buyer to get to know their future home and ask questions.

What does “end of serviceable life” mean?

This term means that the item is currently working, but it may need to be replaced soon.  A good example of this is a furnace that is 20 years old.  While it is currently working, it might not be as efficient as it could be and while it does not need to be replaced soon, it may within the next five- ten years.  

My house is up to code, why are there suggestions for improvements? 

If your home was built in 1960, it is not required to meet the same standards as if it was built today.   Things like GFI switches that are standard now are not mandated for older homes, but an inspector may note that they should be installed.  

Potential Hazards

Sounds scary already, right? Potential hazards are things that may potentially be a safety issue but are currently not dangerous.  Dryer vents are frequently flagged for this and often a duct cleaning or changing out the connector hose solves this issue.  

If you have questions about a home inspection report, or anything real estate related, please reach out – I’m always here to help.

Jackie Scura - 1 High Street Court, Morristown, NJ

I’m Jacqueline Scura of Compass Realtors. I’ve always believed that if you love what you do and do what you love, then success will follow. I’ve been a Realtor for over 37 years now! W... Read More »