Q:  We entered into a purchase agreement on a home subject to a housing inspection. After the inspection there were some items we wanted the seller to repair and they refused.  What is the purpose of the home inspection if the seller will not fix anything?

A:  The home inspection addendum on a standard Minnesota Association of Realtor approved form states “This property, if not new, cannot be expected to be in new condition.  Routine maintenance items are not part of this addendum”.  There in lies the question, “What are routine maintenance items”.  I always inform my clients there are two reasons for a home inspection.  The first one is to check the structural integrity of the building and to make sure the mechanical systems are working as intended.  The second function of the inspection is to show the homeowner some routine maintenance items that may have been ignored or unknowingly missed by the seller.  By being made aware of the maintenance items they can be corrected before any major expense would be required.  Knowing the purpose of a housing inspection can take the stress out of your move and give you piece of mind with your purchase. Make sure you are comfortable with the knowledge and experience of your housing inspector and be sure to participate in the inspection process.  That way you will get a clear understanding of what work needs to be completed to protect your investment.

Patrick Wiebusch is the Broker of RE/MAX Lakes Area Realty and has over 20 years of real estate experience.  He is a graduate of the University of Minnesota-Carlson School of Management and can be reached at patrickwiebusch@remax.net