Home Inspections - What You Must know

So you've found the house you think you want to purchase, now you need to make certain to have the home properly inspected.  If you are planning on getting a mortgage loan, the lender will require an appraisal.  Keep in mind that an appraisal is not the same as a home inspection.  An appraisal helps the lender determine whether or not your home purchase is a smart investment, an inspection will help you find out if there are any problems with the home that need to be addressed before you complete the transaction.

If you do discover problems with the home, these issues should be addressed before you sign any agreements to purchase the home.  For example, you might negotiate a lower price for the home because of the problems it has.  Or, you may negotiate to complete the purchase only after the current homeowner has remedied the problems.

There are several different types of additional inspections you'll need to have completed before you can close on the house.  For example, the house will need to pass a termite inspection, a structural inspection, and an inspection of the well and the septic if you do not receive city services.  If the home does not pass these inspections, the lender likely will not go through with the loan.

Whatver you do, never ever ever let anyone talk you out of obtaining a complete home inspection before you hand over your hard earned money to buy real estate.