Queen Anne is one of the best neighborhoods in Seattle. It’s packed with charming homes, convenient amenities such as coffee shops, great restaurants, and shops. Located at a higher elevation than the rest of Seattle, Queen Anne offers sweeping views of Puget Sound.
The neighborhood gets its namesake from the ornate Queen Anne-style homes that are popular in the area. These homes feature adorned balconies and wrap-around porches, large bay windows, and gables that lend a charming and upscale feeling to the neighborhood. In addition to classic Queen Anne-style homes, there are also Queen Anne condos with luxurious amenities, 24/7 concierge service, and all of the updated features you could need.
Queen Anne is a neighborhood in high demand in Seattle. And if you’re thinking of buying a home here, you’re going to want to work with a great real estate agent who can help show you the hottest listings and put in a great offer. When you’ve found the home you love, it’s important to take the necessary steps to close the deal. One of the most important steps you can take is hiring a home inspector. Our guide will walk you through all the reasons working with a home inspector is an essential step in buying real estate.
1. Ensure safety
The main reason to get a home inspection is to ensure the safety of your home. A home inspection is carried out by a licensed home inspector. The home inspector will check many features of the home to ensure that the home is safe and up to code. For example, they will look at the structural features of the home to ensure that it has a solid foundation and all of the supports are structurally sound.
They’ll also examine the wiring, heating and cooling system, and water pipes to ensure these are up to date as well. Home inspections also look for hazards that may not be visible all the time, such as mold, pests, or other contaminants that could cause health problems. Getting a home inspection ensures that you and your family will be safe in your new home, and there will be no issues with the house or unexpected health issues related to your new home.
2. Predict future costs
Even if your home is structurally sound, a home inspection will give you information about whether there are any major repairs needed in the near future. For example, a home inspection can let you know in advance if you’ll need to replace the roof or update the plumbing or water heater. These are major repairs and will need to be budgeted for if you plan on moving forward with the purchase. This is especially important for older homes, such as those in the Queen Anne neighborhood, which may require an update.
3. Gain leverage in negotiation
Another great reason to do a home inspection is to help you and your real estate agent with the negotiation process. When you understand what repairs might be needed currently or in the next few years, your real estate agent can use this to improve the asking price and get you the best offer possible. Understanding the value of the home from a home valuation as well as information from the inspection, can save you thousands of dollars on your real estate transaction.
4. Focus on the big picture
When shopping for a home, it’s easy to get caught up in the details of a perfectly staged home. You might appreciate the patio or the beautiful ornate details that are characteristic of Queen Anne homes or fall in love with the updated kitchen or paint colors. However, it’s important when buying a home to think about the possible repairs that will be needed in the future and the cost of any unexpected renovations. Getting a home inspection will allow you to refocus on the big picture and not get swept up in small details that can easily be changed.
5. Relax and leave it to the professionals
The main way that a home inspection will help give you peace of mind is by allowing you to stop worrying and just leave it to the professionals. There’s no need to stay up late, concerned about what problems might be lurking inside the home of your dreams. Getting a home inspection will lay all the cards out on the table and show you exactly what issues you need to deal with and what is nothing to worry about. Getting a home inspection allows you to relax and enjoy the process of buying your home while the home inspector does all the heavy lifting.
Your real estate agent will be able to connect you with a trusted home inspector that can help you through the entire process. This is another reason it’s so important to work with a great agent when looking for Queen Anne real estate for sale.
Ready to buy Queen Anne real estate?
If you’re thinking of buying a home, you’re going to want to work with a Queen Anne real estate agent like Corey Hays & Dawn Bourdo with the MrMagnolia team. MrMagnolia has extensive experience and is one of the top real estate agents in Seattle. The MrMagnolia team is ready to help you find the perfect property that will exceed your expectations and help make your real estate dreams a reality.