Phone:
(727)358-0489
Physical address:
5830 142nd Ave. N. Suite A.
Clearwater, FL 33760
One question I hear almost every week from first time buyers: who actually pays for the home inspection, the buyer or the seller? In just about every deal I work on here in the Tampa Bay area, it’s the buyer who pays.
That might feel a little backwards at first. You’re the one buying the house, so why are you also paying to have someone check it out before you even own it? The answer is pretty simple. The inspection is for your protection, not the seller’s. I work for you, and my job is to give you an honest, unbiased look at the condition of the home so you know exactly what you’re getting into.
Why the Buyer Covers the Cost
If the seller paid for the inspection, there’s a chance, even if it’s unintentional, that the inspector would feel pressure to go easy on the report. By having the buyer pay, the inspection stays independent. I’m not working for the person trying to sell the house, I’m working for the person trying to protect their investment, which is you.
The cost usually isn’t due until the inspection actually happens, and in most cases you pay right there on the day I show up, either online or in person. It’s a separate cost from your closing costs, though some buyers do ask their lender if it can be rolled in. Either way, it’s money well spent. A few hundred dollars upfront can save you from tens of thousands in surprise repairs down the road.
If you’re getting ready to make an offer on a home anywhere in the Tampa Bay area, give me a call and I’ll walk you through exactly what to expect, from scheduling to the day of the inspection to getting your report. Reach out to Fair Property Inspections and let’s get you set up with a home inspection you can trust.
