Home Inspection

No purchaser wants to face the nightmare of unexpected repair and improvement expenses right after closing. Yet this is exactly what you risk if you fail to have a professional home inspection done on the property before completing the sale.

There are many things that can go wrong in a house, including extremely hazardous items, such as a malfunctioning furnace or dangerous electrical system. Even non hazardous problems can require expensive repairs, so the cost of a professional inspection - typically $200 to $500 - is a bargain.

Look for a professional with extensive (at least 3 years) experience reviewing residential property, and schedule the inspection several weeks in advance of the closing. This allows time to negotiate with the seller about any problems that may be found. Don't hesitate to take advantage of the inspector's experience by asking questions.

The seller is typically responsible for correcting any problems uncovered by the inspection. If the work cannot be completed by the closing, the parties may agree to a discount in the price to cover the repair cost.