Home Inspections: It Pays to Know What You're Buying

[Renew Deal]

When buying a house, it's a very good idea to get a home inspection before you close your purchase and take possession of the home. It's not uncommon for a lender to include a home inspection as a condition in your purchase agreement.

AOL Real Estate's What Works Now tagged along with Kenny Rhodes, a licensed inspector with 20 years' experience, to get some insights into the home-inspection process and to learn why this unbiased, third-party evaluation is so important to the home-buying transaction.

The inspection "isn't a pass-fail examination," explains Rhodes. The inspector's job is to evaluate a house's mechanical systems, structural integrity, and safety features, and identify any items that need attention. An inspection allows the buyer to identify any issues with the home prior to the closing.

If a buyer can attend the inspection in person, or walk through the house with the inspector shortly after the inspection is completed, the inspector can point out to him or her what they've found. An inspection of the home typically takes three to four hours and covers:
<snip>

http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/08/17/home-inspections-it-pays-to-know-what-youre-buying

There's a pretty good video on this site.

[Hassin Bin Sober]

1. I would never buy without one. They almost always pay for themselves.

A professionally written report from an inspector will carry more weight than a request from the buyer made through a realtor.

Sellers pretty much expect to give some sort of credit(s) anyway so if you only get your inspection fee back you are doing OK.

[Luciferous]

2. My husband and I are currently going through the homebuying

process, and there is no way I would purchase a house without a home inspection. Our inspector found things we hadn't even thought to look for- it's definitely worth the money.

[shanti]

3. learned that one the hard way

:( ALWAYS get a home inspection first!