When you write an agreement of sale on a property, there are several inspections that you can elect to have. They are:

1. Home Inspection
2. Wood Destroying Insect Inspection
3. Radon Inspection
4. Water Inspection (typically when you have a well on the property)
5. Septic Inspection (for an on-lot septic tank)

I'll be writing a bit about these in the following series, and I'll start with the home inspection.

A good home inspector is worth his weight in gold, and is one of the most important members of your home buying team (the others being ME - or your own agent, and your mortgage company). Not only is he going to do a visual inspection of the property and point out anything thing that needs to be addressed (safety hazards, leaky faucets, faulty wiring), he will also educate you on the mechanicals and maintenance of the home.

What are some of the things the home inspector will evaluate?

• The roof, gutters, flashings, chimneys
• The heater, air conditioners, hot water heaters
• The electric panel and outlets
• The plumbing system
• The stair railings
• Any obvious structural components

Once the home inspector writes his report, you can then negotiate the home repairs you would like the Seller to make. Typically, if you cannot come to terms on the home inspection issues, you will be released from the contract and get your deposit money back.

The home inspection is your chance to educate yourself on the home, learn of any repairs that need to be made at the present time, and negotiate with the Seller to make sure you are getting a home in good condition, with working mechanicals.

Need a good home inspector? In the course of doing business, I've run into some really fabulous ones. Shoot me an email, and I'll be happy to send you their contact information!