Home Inspections are Essential

Long-time clients and I looked at disclosures last night on a property they're interested in. My first priority was the home inspection. The seller's agent had asked for an as-is offer, pretty common in our area, and the information in the property and home inspections was especially important.
A professional home inspection not only can provide a great education about the home’s systems, but also be a crucial tool in negotiating the fairest price on the home, according to HouseMaster, one of the first and largest home inspection franchisors in North America.
They provide the following tips to ensure that buyers make an educated decision when purchasing a home and get the best price possible:
1. Inspect the Inspector. Look for a home inspector with an excellent reputation and credential and verify that the inspector carries professional liability insurance
2. Look at the report. A poorly prepared report without pictures or clear, concise details addressing all the various systems and accessible elements of the home is less likely to be taken seriously.
3. Inspect ancillary systems. Often, the company will offer a multiple services discount as well as the added convenience of only having to attend one inspection appointment.
One company I often use gives a discount for a combination of detailed property, termite and roof reports.
4. Go along on the inspection. If the inspector discourages you from going along and asking questions, find another inspector. A home inspection is not simply a laundry list of what is wrong with the home. In addition to documenting issues and needed repairs that may exist, a professional home inspector will also show the new buyer how to operate the various systems in the home and provide tips on improving energy efficiency and maintaining the home in general. Being present during the inspection will make the final written report that much more meaningful.
If the inspection has been completed "up front" by the sellers, a good inspection company will welcome contact by the buyers to clarify any questions they might have after reading the report.
A little homework by the buyers can eliminate headaches down the road!