Mike:   Sounds like you had a lot to talk about with your client :-)

Amy:  Thank you.  I forgot to mention the important fact that you brought up - it's also an awesome education process for the future home owner.  They'll learn so much about the home they are buying.

Tony:   I've often wondered about that myself.  Thanks Tony.

Randall:   You brought up another important point (I love it when readers do this!)  Pre-drywall inspections for new construction.  Definately agree!

Alan:   About 95% of my buyers of foreclosures have had home inspections.  The other 5% are knowledgable enough to do them on their own (investors with backgrounds as contractors, etc)    Here in Michigan when the utilities are turned off we have a host of related problems with the homes.  Thank you for coming by and commenting Alan, I do appreciate it.

Dorie:   Well worth the extra money spent.  Ditto!

Laura:   Absolutely.  It's the best education a buyer can receive about their new home.

Deb:   I also have a waiver signed.  We do have to protect ourselves in the event of "You didn't ask me if I wanted an inspection..."

Sonja:   Most times with bank owned homes repairs cannot be negotiated.  Buyers need to know exactly what that "as is" condition is.  Thanks for your comment Sonja.

Charles:   Thanks for coming by and commenting.

Sally and David:   Ouch.  Sounds like they didn't have a home inspection (or surely that would have been caught..)  It's hard to make expensiving mistakes like that, the only good thing was that it was a learning experience for them.

Teri:  Thank you.  Many people confuse an FHA appraisal with an inspection.  NOT the same thing by any means.

Rebecca:   Especially on the bank owned homes!  Thanks Rebecca.

Jim:   That form is mandatory (at least in my area) for an FHA purchase.  I go over it with my clients as it does reiterate what I am counseling them about in relation to home inspections.  Great info.

Terry:   You're absolutely correct.  In most cases the home has been lacking even routine maintenance for many many months.  Homeowners who are losing their homes simply don't have the cash to keep working on them.  Good point.

Diane:  It is a huge issue for those of us in colder areas (frozen and cracked pipes, etc)  Thanks Diane.

Michele:   Here's a to-the-point response to that summary by a buyer:  "An FHA appraiser is in the home for about 15-30 minutes.  A home inspector will typically spend 2 1/2 to 3 hours in a home.  Which do you think is more thorough?"  That points it out clearly so there is no confusion.   Thanks Michele.