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PEACE OF MIND - the #1 Reason for you to get a home inspection!

Whether you'r relocating to Anne Arundel County from another part of the country, or just moving across the street, a home inspection is always a good idea for any homebuyer.  However, when you move to a new area, where you're unfamiliar with local home improvement stores and contractors, it's more important than ever.  

While a home inspection is no guarantee that "nothing" will go wrong, it does help you anticipate LIKELY problems so you can negotiate with the seller to have them repaired before your settlement.

Joseph Lang, a home inspector in Cucumonga, California, frequently posts articles here on ActiveRain about situations he encounters during home inspections.  Here are just a few of his real-life inspection experiences - probably more convincing than any list of reasons I could create about "Why get a home inspection?" 

1. There's Never Problems with New Construction Homes... Right? 
2. Home Improvements
3. The Lion, The Witch and The Cabinet... Well Maybe Just the Cabinet
4. A Home Inspector Never Makes Assumptions
5. It's Already Been Inspected, It'll Be Easy For You

Generally speaking, a home inspection is a visual evaluation of the property to identify problems in areas that can be accessed.  In other words, home inspectors do not have xray vision, so they can't see behind the wallboard; they don't pull up carpet, move furniture or take apart appliances to make sure every part is in like-new condition.  And they don't report on cosmetic flaws, such as peeling wallpaper or dirty fingerprints on the walls.

They DO go through every accessible inch of the property, including the attic and crawl space, looking for evidence of anything from leaks to insects infestation to structural problems.  They DO test the electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems, using standard procedures.  Depending on the type of inspection you order, they may also test well water and septic systems, radon and lead-based paint hazards.  When they identify any discrepancy, they note it so that you can decide whether to accept the defect "as-is" or negotiate with the seller regarding an item's repair or replacement.

For your peace of mind, get a home inspection to minimize your concerns about unexpected defects and repairs in the home you're buying! 

In Maryland, home inspectors must be licensed, and I always recommend that my clients choose an experienced home inspector who belongs to the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI).