Foreclosures
Since the real estate crisis in 2008 there has been large amount of Real Estate Forecloses and Short Sale properties being sold today through Bank Owned Properties. Most real estate foreclosure contracts are sold "As-Is" but not in all cases so as to Short Sales. As a home buyer you do have a right for a home inspection in either case. While there is little or no time to completely view the property during the foreclosure process, an experienced, certified, and professional home inspector is your only protection to identify any major defects thus possibly saving the home buyer many times the small inspection fee! Nothing could be worse than suddenly finding out that there are major issues with the home after the papers are signed and you already living in the home. At Safeco home inspections we provide to you a complete examination of the homes physical condition emphasizing on safety, mechanical, and structural issues so that you can make an informed and educated decision.
Fore-closure properties will most likely be vacant and not have all the utilities services turned on. Your Real Estate Agent should make arrangements with the bank to be sure the home is De-Winterized, meaning that all the utilities are turned on and the pilot to the gas hot water heater is lit, if possible, and in order to insure a complete inspection of the property.
Winterizing generally means preparing the home to withstand winter like conditions
when there is little or no heat is present. This process is done by turning the water off at the main water service, draining water from the hot water heater and water lines, and adding an anit-freeze solution into the toilet bowls and drain lines to prevent any pipes from possibly freezing.