After you have made your offer, you will need to arrange for a home inspector to inspect the property?s plumbing, heating/cooling system, electrical systems, and structure for any potential problems. The inspector will not pass or fail your home nor will the inspector tell you whether the price is a ?fair? price. The inspector?s job is to help you understand your new home’s physical condition.

The home inspector should be certified as a qualified and experienced home inspector. I can recommend several to you.

If the home you are considering buying is on a well and septic system, you will want to have these systems inspected by a qualified professional. Once again, I can recommend several for your use.

Special inspections for radon gas may also need to be conducted. Bozeman has special inspectors for this as well.

You don?t have to be present for the inspections, but it is recommended, as you will have a clear understanding of the final report when presented. The inspector can answer questions you may have with regards to maintenance.

If any items need repair and/or replacement, or if the inspector discovers problems that need to be addressed, you will have an opportunity to negotiate with the seller.

Home Protection Plan

Inspections should reveal that all home appliances and systems are in good working order, yet no one can predict how long these appliances or systems will last. Therefore, in addition to homeowners? insurance, homebuyers can also purchase a ?home warranty? to help pay for any appliance or system failure. The ERA Home Protection Plan is an exclusive ERA program designed to protect you against expensive repair or replacement costs when the major working components in your new home break down after closing.

If you have purchased a newly built home, the builder’s warranty may only cover the first year. But what about problems after the first year? The builder’s warranty or homeowners’ insurance plans cover failures after the first year. ERA recognizes this problem and that is why we offer the Extended Home Protection Plan for new homes. It covers you from the 2nd through the 5th year, when you need it the most. Coverage lasts through the 5th year, even if you sell. Coverage begins on the first anniversary of the close of escrow on your new home, and continues for four full years.

Let me know if you are interested in either of the home warranty plans and we can work together to help make sure your new home is well protected.