Why

WHY DO YOU NEED A HOME INSPECTION?

Home inspectors are the wide-angle lens for the condition of your home. Whether it's part of putting
your home on the market, searching for a dream home that's in dream condition, or just for your home
maintenance and peace-of-mind, home inspectors are one of the most underused home improvement
professionals. As you look through these different home inspection applications, keep in mind that the
average cost of a professional inspection is $324, while the information in these evaluations can save
you thousands, even tens of thousands, of dollars. What does a home inspection cover?

Home Inspections and Putting a House on the Market
In today's real estate market, home inspection services are vital to both seller and buyer. Foreclosed
or distressed homes are seen as being in inferior condition, often justifiably so. If you don't have the
money to pay your mortgage, you're probably not keeping up on your home maintenance, either.
Home inspections are one of the best and only forms of quality-control when it comes to buying a
property. You can't return a home for a refund 30 days after the final closing.

For Sellers:
You need to do whatever you can to distance your property from the rundown properties being sold at
fire-sale prices. At bank auctions, prospective buyers may not even be allowed to view the home's
interior before making a bid. One of the few advantages you have in this market is the condition of your
home. A home inspection should be a strong selling point and should help you bolster your final
selling price.

For Buyers:
Most people know enough to avoid buying a house that doesn't have a certified home inspection, but
you may not fully trust your seller's inspection. Many home inspectors will field questions about their
inspection write-up, so it's never a bad idea to talk to the inspector in person. If you're still not satisfied,
you can hire your own, independent home inspector.

Home Inspections and Home Maintenance
Many people believe home inspections are meant solely for the purposes of selling a home, but they
can play a vital role in home maintenance as well. Home inspectors can tell you everything from how
many years you can expect from heating and cooling system to areas where an energy-efficient
upgrade can pay for itself in just a few years. They can identify places in your roof that have grown
weak and vulnerable over the years. They can assess your home's moisture level, potential areas of
water damage, and susceptibility to mold. They can evaluate your home's foundation and its possible
role in cracked drywall and warped window casements. You can also find home inspectors who
specialize in certain areas, such as roofing or energy audits. Wherever you think your home
maintenance may be lacking or in question, you can find a qualified inspector to give you an honest
and expert opinion.