House Inspection

If your offer on a house is accepted, the first step to take is to have the house inspected.

A home inspection is an evaluation of a home's condition by a trained expert. You will need to call to arrange for an inspector to come to the property.

Make sure that you choose an inspector with good credentials and that can make it before your option period is over. The inspector will look for defects or malfunctions in the building's structure, such as the roof, plumbing, or foundation, and will detect pest infestations or damage.

You can refer to the seller's disclosure given to you buy the seller that states the condition of the house. If there are problems disclosed, you can ask your inspector to determine the extent of the problem.

After the inspection is done, you will receive a written report of the findings from the inspector. If you discover there are items that need replacing or repairing, you can request this in an amendment in the contract. Your REALTOR® will do this for you. Remember, the inspector is working for you.

The cost of a home inspection may cost you a few hundred dollars, but it can possibly save you thousands in repairs done down the road.