4-Point Inspection: What it is and why it's key to your home purchase or sale

If you're in the process of buying a home for the first time, you've probably come across the term “4-point inspection” and wondered what it is. This assessment is key in the process of purchasing or securing a property, as it provides detailed information on four fundamental systems of the home:

• Roof
• Electrical wiring
• Plumbing
• HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system

Why is a 4-point inspection required?

Homeowners insurance companies request this inspection to evaluate the current condition of the property and determine the level of risk they will assume in providing coverage. This is especially important for homes more than 20 years old, as they may represent a higher risk due to natural wear and tear on their major systems.

For example, if a 30-year-old home has problems in the electrical wiring or HVAC system, the homeowner is likely to make claims in the future, which would represent a high cost to the insurer. With the results of the inspection, the insurance company can assess the financial risk and decide whether it will approve coverage or if repairs are necessary before issuing a policy.

Benefits of performing a 4-point inspection

Even if you don't live in a state where this inspection is mandatory, there are several advantages to having it done:

Definitely yes. For new buyers, this inspection is a valuable tool to evaluate whether the investment is worthwhile before committing to a mortgage. If the results show significant problems, you may want to reconsider your purchase or negotiate repairs before closing the deal.

If you need advice about buying a property or want to make sure it's in top condition, contact me! As a real estate agent, I can guide you through every step of the process so you can make the best investment decision.

Quick and inexpensive: It is an accessible process and performed by a certified professional in a few hours.

It guarantees the condition of your property: If you plan to sell, this inspection allows you to detect problems and correct them before putting the house on the market.

Prevents future problems: By checking the condition of the home's major systems, you can avoid unpleasant surprises and unexpected expenses.