For Buyers

By the time you decide to make an offer on a home, you have already fallen in love with it for some reason. You may be able to imagine yourself living comfortably in it. You may have visions of cozy holiday gatherings or raising your children there. Your furniture would look like home arranged according to your taste. It's just perfect for you.

You may want to call in a professional third party to scrutinize the more mundane workings of the home with an impartial eye. The inspector will visually examine the foundation and structure for any signs of trouble. He will operate all appliances which will come with the house as you would expect to operate them during daily life. He will check for proper electrical wiring and will even point out anything that might pose a safety hazard to you and your children.

An inspector cannot determine how long any inspected item might perform properly and he cannot predict its useful life expectancy. But he can tell you the condition of the house on the day he inspects it and may recommend further evaluation by specialists if he sees reason for concern. This information can help you prepare for possible unexpected expenses in the near future or to ask the seller to make some concessions in the sale price of the home or have pre-sale repairs performed.

Consult with your professional real estate agent for help determining how an inspection report may benefit you.