Hiring a home inspector is one of the most important aspects of your real estate transaction. You need to make sure the home is truly in the condition the seller claims it is, and you need to know if there are any repairs that need to be added as contingencies before you buy the home.
While you’ll probably walk through the home more than once, remember that you aren’t a licensed home inspector. You should, however, accompany the home inspector that you hire as he or she goes through the house; that way, you have a heads-up on potential problems.
Hiring a Home Inspector
In order to find an experienced home inspector, ask your real estate agent to recommend someone. You can also explore the American Society of Home Inspectors’ website (ASHI.org) to find a licensed professional who can help.
What to Ask Your Home Inspector
Before you choose which home inspector you’ll hire, run down a quick list of questions, including:
- Do you specialize in residential or commercial properties?
- How long have you been a licensed home inspector?
- Are you a member of any professional organizations?
- May I walk through the home with you?
- Do you have “errors and omissions” insurance?
- Do you offer a guarantee?
If the inspector doesn’t want you to be present for the inspection, that’s a red flag—you should probably move on to someone else.
What the Home Inspector Will Do
The home inspector will cover every inch of the home, looking for defects in everything from the foundation to the wiring. He or she will complete a detailed report of the findings, which you can use to make your requests to the seller and keep for your personal use later.
Let’s Talk
When you’re ready to start your Madeleine Lightman home search, let us know so we can help. Call me at (917) 612-8402or contact me online. I’ll walk you through the whole process from start to finish, making your whole home buying experience a positive one.
