subject: Get A Home Inspection Before You Buy [print this page] When you buy a home, you're making a huge investment. Before you close the deal, you want to be sure that the house is in good condition, without any potentially expensive problems that might surprise you later. One way to ensure your peace of mind is to have a qualified home inspection.
During the home inspection, a trained professional will take a detailed and unbiased look at the property. He or she will evaluate the physical condition (mechanical systems, structure, etc.) to make sure everything is in proper order. The inspector will then point out items that need to be replaced or fixed and will estimate how long everything else (HVAC, plumbing, electrical, etc.) will be in working condition. This information will be delivered to you in a written report about a week after the inspection. The inspector does not estimate the home's value--that is the job of an appraiser.
The importance of a home inspection cannot be overstated. An inspection can reveal problems you did not know existed, preventing you from spending thousands of dollars in repairs. When you make an offer on a home, the contract should state that your offer is contingent on a satisfactory home inspection. You will have to pay for the inspection yourself, but if you do find major problems, you can request that the sellers take care of them before you buy. If they won't, you'll have to decide whether it's worth it to pay for the repairs yourself once you're the new homeowner. If it's not, you have the option to remove your offer and walk away. You won't have that luxury if you buy the home and discover the problem on your own. In short, an inspection is well worth the couple hundred dollars: it could save you thousands.
How do you find a qualified inspector? Your real estate agent should be able to recommend a home inspector; otherwise, there are several places you can look. Many states list licensed inspectors online, as do professional home inspector organizations (which require the inspectors to meet certain qualifications to become a member such as passing tests, etc.). You can also look in the yellow pages or on a search engine like Google. Make sure your inspector is more than capable. Check his or her license, reviews, and membership in professional organizations. Go to the house while he or she does the inspection; not only does this ensure the inspector won't be cutting any corners, it can also be good preparation for home ownership.
Having a professional home inspection done before you buy a house is always worth it.
