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Step # 7 to Sucessful Home Buying

By
Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Cornerstone Realty

The ten basic steps of purchasing a home - The Home Inspection

After signing a contract of sale, you may want to consider paying for a home inspection, which will identify any physical defects or environmental conditions. The contract of sale typically gives buyers a certain number of days to have an inspection. You should schedule this as soon as possible to ensure it is completed within the stated time-frame. Depending on the circumstances of the transaction note that if you are purchasing a short sale or foreclosure that is to be sold in "as is" condition, you may be unable to perform a home inspection, or have any items identified during an inspection repaired 

HGTV Segment on Home Inspection

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Here are some questions you may ask the home inspector: 

· What does the inspection cover?

   - A good inspection should cover structure, exterior, roofing, plumbing, electrical, heating, air conditioning, interiors, and ventilation.

 · How long have you been inspecting residential buildings? 

   - Make sure the inspector has experience working with homes, and not just commercial properties.

· Can I attend the inspection?

   - An inspector should allow you to be present for the inspection.  If they don't, consider it a red flag.

• How long does the inspection take?  How long will it take to produce the report?

While this is not a personal endorsement of this particular company, here is an example of a well prepared home inspection report

A list of licensed home inspectors can be obtained from the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs.  Another source to locate a home inspector is the American Society of Home Inspectors, ASHI

 

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David Obbee
Obbee.com - Agoura Hills, CA

Michael: Thanks for the sound advice- as part of the ventilation portion of the inspection, I recommend buyers pay the extra money for a radon test, too!

Feb 20, 2010 09:58 AM
David Selman
Selman Home Inspections, Inc. - Dallas, TX
Certified Master Home Inspector

Michael - Home inspections are vital for both home buyers and home sellers. A home inspection will take away the majority of negative surprises. My North Texas home inspections company backs our home inspections with a FREE 100 Day Limited Warranty! Does your home inspector provide a warranty? We believe in providing solutions to problems buyers may experience after moving into a home.

Feb 24, 2010 04:52 AM