Selecting Your Inspector

Home Buyers

A realistic approach to purchasing your home and selecting your home inspector.

Owning your own home, instead of renting, is one of the smartest financial decisions you can make, as long as you go into it with both eyes open and be sure you are not overpaying for what you are getting.Shop around for the right home, the right mortgage, and of course, the right home inspector to help you through this process.

Congratulations on your new home purchase!

This is perhaps one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll be making, but the good news is, you’ve taken the first steps to making the American dream of home ownership a reality for you and your family .Here are some tips to help the home purchasing process go smoothly and to ensure that your interests are being taken care of as you finalize your contracts and financing for your new home.

 

Step 1 - Get Organized

With the assistance of your Realtor, make a list of the things you need to do in order to close on your new home. Be sure you are working with your own professional buyer’s agent, who understands the industry and the laws in your area, and who is on your side to help you through this process.

It doesn’t cost you extra to have your own buyer's agent working on your behalf and looking out for your best interests, since they are paid out of the seller’s commission. Nonetheless, they work for you and have a “fiduciary duty” to you, and not to any other party to this transaction. Your buyer’s agent can help you find the right home, the right lender, and the right home inspector for your needs.

Step 2 - Interview Prospective Inspectors

Hiring a qualified home inspector to inspect your home before closing can save you hundreds if not thousands off your purchase price if defects in your new home could lead to unexpected repair bills down the road.

• Check with your buyer’s agent when selecting an inspector - they may be familiar with several inspectors and have a few to recommend. Know that you do not necessarily have to use the inspector that your realtor recommends, however it is a starting point.
• Be sure to interview that inspector over the telephone before you contract with him or her to do your home inspection.
• Ask your prospective home inspector about their qualifications and credentials, and of course, ask for references and a sample of their work.
• Don’t make the mistake of selecting your inspector solely based on cost. Since buying a home is one of the most expensive purchases you’ll ever make, this is not the time to skimp on a cheap inspection. Since the cost of a home inspection is so small relative to the cost of the home you are purchasing, and the extra money you spend for a quality inspection could add up to hundreds or even thousands in savings for you in the long run.
  
  Remember that your home inspection is often a final bargaining tool in the real estate closing process - buyers sometimes negotiate repairs by the seller or money off the final price to compensate for repair issues such as leaks, foundation repair, plumbing repair and more.
  
  Do yourself a favor and pick a qualified home inspector, even if it means paying a little more for the professional home inspection you expect and deserve.

   

Step 3 - Select Your Inspector

Review your home buyer's "to do" list and your notes on the home inspectors that you interviewed to inspect your new home. Now, select the best, most qualified inspector, give them a call, and check that off your list. One less thing to worry about as you move forward with your home purchase.

Additional Recommendations

Selecting a qualified home inspector requires looking past a simple online search or a quick agent recommendation to ensure you find someone meticulous and truly working in your best interest.

Build a List of Candidates

1. Use Professional Directories: Search database registries for major industry associations like the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) or the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI).
2. Get Independent Referrals: While real estate agents often provide a list of inspectors, remember that their primary goal is closing the deal. Whenever possible, cross-reference agent suggestions with recommendations from recent homebuyer friends, family, or local community boards.
3. Verify Credentials and Insurance
4. Check Licensing: Confirm whether your state requires a license and ensure the inspector's credential is active and in good standing.
5. Validate Insurance: Always verify that they carry both general liability insurance and errors and omissions (E&O) insurance. This protects you financially if an accident happens on-site or if the inspector misses a major defect.
6. Review Sample Reports
   Ask for Examples: A reputable inspector should readily provide a sample inspection report. Look for Detail: Review the sample to ensure it uses clear language (avoiding excessive jargon), includes plenty of clear photographs, pinpoints exact locations of issues, and categorizes problems by severity or priority. Avoid inspectors who rely on vague, generic checklists.
7. Ask Key QuestionsBefore making your final choice, interview candidates over the phone and ask: How long have you been in business, and how many homes have you inspected? (Look for someone with extensive experience, especially with homes similar in age and style to the one you are buying).
   1. How long does a typical inspection take? (A thorough inspection for an average-sized home usually takes 2 to 4 hours; beware of anyone rushing through in under 90 minutes).
   2. Do you perform repair work on homes you inspect? (The answer should be a hard no. An inspector who offers to fix the problems they find presents a major conflict of interest).
   3. Can I attend the inspection? (You should always walk the property with them if possible to ask questions and see issues firsthand).
8. Compare Quotes and Scope of Services
   Understand the Base Package: Make sure you know what is included in the standard fee (structure, roof, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems) versus what costs extra. Factor in Specialized Add-ons: Depending on the property's age, location, and features, you may need additional testing for radon, mold, termites/wood-destroying organisms, sewer scopes, or lead paint. Ask if they package these services or charge a-la-carte.

Copyright and usage policy: This document is NOT in the public domain. It may NOT be reproduced without written permission of Grassfrog Technologies LLC.

 

 

 

 

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Customer Testimonials:

Mark,

Thank you for your thorough and quick work with the inspection and reports. I was very impressed with your work compared to past experiences with inspectors. Hopefully we can use your findings to reach a fair deal out of it.

 

V/R,

Shelby Foerg