Choosing A Home Inspector

Hiring the right home inspector is as important as the actual home inspection itself.  This segment of a real estate transaction is especially vulnerable.  You see Home Inspectors are unregulated in most states.  I have a few suggestions to protect both the buyer/seller when hiring an inspector.

Every Realtor has a list of inspectors we recommend to our clients. Many clients are pleased with the inspector immediately after the inspection.  Ask your Realtor if they followed up with the client 6 months or a year after the inspection.  Were there any problems uncovered that should have been found.  When inspector recommendations are made, I suggest you do your own research.  Is the inspector/company a member of American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) or the National Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI)?  Both organization have standards of practice and a code of ethics for their members.

Every inspector should have insurance, a formal method of reporting their findings, and should explain the technology they are using during inspections.  Will they provide photos of issues found?  Ask how long the inspection will take?  I always recommend the client be available for the inspection.  This provides you the opportunity to ask questions and see what the inspector is noting as maintenance or a defect in the property.  The inspector and buyer/seller should be concerned with issues that affect the use or value of the property.  Maintenance issues are found in every home but guidance is needed to determine the effect on the property.   For complete details on making the right choice go to RISMedia's REAL ESTATE. 

Carol Murphy

Keller Willaims - Carol Murphy Team

Greater Cleveland Real Estate