If you are looking for the best price on a piece of property, you will definitely want to have the home inspected. An inspection will assure you that the money you are investing will be a sound decision. Nobody wants to invest several hundred thousand dollars into a piece of real estate only to have it break down, become leaky, or worse a few weeks down the line. It may seem like a lot of money, but trust me, it's worth it. There is nothing worse than buying a money pit.



1. Inspect Wooden Structures

Wooden parts of a home are at a higher risk of termites and pest infestations. Most home owners do not check for this and instead concentrate on the electrical and plumbing of the home. Professional inspectors check every aspect of a property and structure. They can tell if certain wood structures are rotting and need to be replaced. They usually find things wrong that you don't even come close to noticing.

2. Inspection Tips

i. Start by inspecting the foundation of the building, looking for large cracks

ii. Inside the walls, check the plumbing and electrical systems

iii. Check the framing in the attic

iv. The roof should be your next area of interest. Check for moss and other signs of deterioration.

v. Appliances are checked as is the furnace

3. Bargaining Chip

If you note any damage, you can then use it as a bargaining chip later during negotiations. With a professional inspection, you will be able to reduce the price of the home you intend to buy substantially.

Make sure that the inspector that you hire comes from or is affiliated with a reputable company. It's also important that you get the full report from them after they are done. You should expect a binder full of information on your house, including ratings on different aspects of your home. Don't be hesitant to ask your inspector questions. Things like, "How much will it cost me to replace this or that?" and "How long do you think this or that will hold out?". They will try to give you the best possible estimate they can. It's important to know the costs that will be going into your home the moment you move in. If it's too much to fix right away, it might not be the best home for you.

Paying for a home inspection is truly worth the peace of mind that it gives you.