Are we allowed to inspect our own prospective house?
Houses around here are going without inspections still. Are you going to sue yourself?
edit: If you are financing it through a bank that requires it I imagine it isn’t allowed. I’m also here for the real answer myself but am rolling the dice and waiting to get flogged if I’m wrong.
Varies from State to State. There are states that DO NOT allow it, being considered unethical.
I inspect any house I consider buying. I don’t know anyone who would do it better. Hopefully you feel the same way about your own inspections.
I guess a better question is…Is my own inspection report valid to get out of an offer to purchase which is conditional to a home inspection?
This is where it becomes ‘unethical’ as you can say whatever you want in a report. Do you honestly expect the Seller to trust what you have to say about the home. Seems a bit on the “conflict of interests” side, don’t ya think??
As is contracts, at least here in Florida, you may back out of the contract “for any reason”.
You do not need any back up or to state why.
As inflated as the prices are now, “coming to ones senses” could be a valid reason to back out of a contract.
It would depend on the laws in your state, and how to interpret them.
I inspected both of our current houses, as well as the pre-listing inspection for two former homes.
Yeah, it’s state by state and you’d have to refer to the wording of the purchase agreement. I did my own here in Hawaii as the agreement specifically says inspect it yourself or hire a professional. The other state I work in (Oregon) I didn’t think it was allowed but the last house I bought there was nearly 20 years ago so I can’t remember.
I believe our Ethical standards say it is a conflict of interest to inspect any house you have a financial interest in. Such as a home that you or a family member is selling, or even a close friend.
You don’t want to be biased into making a soft report, or have any appearance of such bias.
If you are inspecting for yourself, you will do your best effort and try not to miss any defects.
I would not inspect a home that is owned by a friend.
I will certainly inspect a house that a friend is buying.
You do not give up your rights to inspect a potential property purchase just because you’re a HI!
Any buyer can get out of a purchase agreement, for any reason, within the inspection contingency timeframe, whether you’re a HI or not.
You conduct your inspection as the seller allows and be done with it. Same as if you’re a HI. You have no rights to inspect any property as a HI w/o the seller’s approval.
When purchasing our last two properties, I had language inserted into the contract that basically says:
“Seller understands that Buyer is a licensed home inspector. Seller agrees that buyer may conduct the home inspection as described in the home inspection contingency.”
No complaints so far.
You should inspect the property you made an offer on no matter what.
If the state your in doesn’t allow it, hire another inspector as well, two inspections will give a better condition assessment on a large financial transaction. As a bonus you can compare the reports side by side to assess your own skills and report writing.
As JJ wrote you can back out for any reason during the contingency period.
If your state does allow it, as previously written, language in the contract, typically in an amendment, stating Seller accepts that you are a HI etc. then that makes your report results as valid grounds for objections.
Does a mechanic pay someone else to fix his own car?
As Bert said, I would not trust anyone else to do it, just like I wouldn’t want anyone else inspecting my mother’s home.