Why Do I Need A Home Inspection?

In your excitement to buy a home, it's easy to miss a small crack in the foundation, some leaky pipes under the house, or a roof that needs to be replaced.
 The sellers worked hard to make the home look as desirable as possible, but looks don't tell the whole story. That's where your home inspection comes in.
What about inspections for sellers?
For sellers, a home inspection is also a good idea prior to listing the home for sale. An inspection can help you turn up issues ahead of time so there will be no surprises when serious buyers start inquiring. Knowing in advance means you'll be able to consider all your options – either making repairs before listing or pricing your home to account for anything you're not going to fix.
 
What does a home inspection include?
A general home inspection will evaluate the house and adjoining structures from top to bottom, inside and out, including but not limited to:
 Outside
Roof, porches, driveways, garage, drainage, retaining walls, grading, and plants or vegetation that may impact the home's condition.
Inside
Electrical and plumbing systems; foundation; heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems; water heater, septic system, electrical system, windows, doors, floors, ceilings, and walls.
What a home inspection doesn't cover
The home inspector can't make any alterations in the course of inspecting a home – so there’s no digging up the ground, lifting carpets, knocking out walls, etc
·        This is a big purchase for you.  Consider being at the inspection to follow along and ask questions.
·        Also consider that a home comprises tens of thousands of parts, pieces, nooks, and crannies. An inspector will look at a representative sampling, but there's simply no way to check every single element.

 
Specialized Inspections –
When Do You Need One?
Some states and cities require additional inspections on top of a general inspection. Beyond that, you may just want a specialized inspection due to a special circumstance or particular concern you or your general inspector may have.
 
Examples of specialized inspections:
 
• Sewer inspection
• Chimney inspection
• Mold inspection
• Lead inspection
• Asbestos inspection
• Pest inspection
• Inspection of a special feature such as swimming pool or hot tub
Tip
If a home inspector tells you not to attend the inspection, find someone else. This is a classic red flag.

Get In Touch

Local Expert Updates

Tracy Evans

Cell: 712.330.2748

Aaron Jones

Cell: 712.320.9442

Brooke Jones

Cell: 641.420.2172

Janie Eick

Cell: 712.339.0574

Community Updates

O'Farrell Sisters

O'Farrell Sisters in Okoboji

The O'Farrell Sister is a historic Okoboji Tradition that one must check out for breakfast and lunch!

'Farrell Sisters History
The O'Farrell Sisters restaurant was born in 1949 at the bridge on Hwy 71, between East and West Lake Okoboji. Edna Mae and Arlene O'Farrell bought the business from Ike Kissinger who was running for Sheriff of Dickinson County.

In the early years the girls were open seven days a week and had a booming business in no time. The fried chicken dinners on Sunday evenings were especially popular. There were times when the line waiting to get in was so long they'd have to lock the door and would often run out of chicken!

In 1959 Arlene married and moved to Tallahassee, Florida with her husband Furman Henderson. Edna Mae and Ferne continued in the restaurant, moving to its present location that same year. This spot had a garden and chicken coup, which was moved to the house across the street.

Ferne died in 1974 and Edna Mae in 1978. Arlene sold the business to nieces Joyce Gapinski, Jo Ann Anderson, Charlotte Sarvie and Cheri Petersen (these are married names). The nieces successfully ran the restaurant from 1979 through 2003. After losing Jo Ann in 1997 and Cheri in 2002, Joyce and Charlotte decided to sell after the 2003 season.

The rest is to be continued...

Real Estate and MLS Homes For Sale in Okoboji

The Waterfront

The Waterfront in East Lake Okoboji

The Waterfront has been a really great addition to the Iowa Great Lakes. Located on the Bridges Bay campus, it is easy to find by car or boat. Streak, seafood, pasta, crepes, pizza and numerous delicious sides on the shores of East Lake will have you always coming back for more. Also try their Sunday brunch, it will not disappoint.

Real Estate and MLS Homes For Sale in East Lake Okoboji

Tweeter's

Tweeter's in Okoboji

Tweeter's Bar & Grill a great casual restaurant in Okoboji, no matter what you're craving. Their extensive menu makes it easy for large groups to gather, and appeal to all tastes. Tweeter's offers catering, daily specials, and nightly features. Since they're open year round, Tweeter's is a favorite among locals, and tourists alike.

Real Estate and MLS Homes For Sale in Okoboji

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