As a buyer, you are entitled to know what you are getting. Don't take for granted that what you see is the full picture, nor should you fully trust that what the seller or the listing agent tells you is totally accurate. People do make mistakes and one simple oversight can be costly. A professional home inspection is something you MUST do, whether you are buying an existing home or a new one. An inspection is an opportunity to have an expert look closely at the property that you are considering to and to receive both an oral and written opinion as to its condition.

Make sure that the report will be done by a professional home inspector, one who is fully qualified. You may want to search for and inspector who has status with a national organization such as ASHI (American Society of Home Inspection). Not only should you never skip an inspection, but you should also accompany the inspector during the process, if at all possible. This gives you a chance to ask questions about the property. In addition, the oral comments from the inspector are sometimes more revealing and detailed than those in the actual written report. Once the inspection is complete, review the inspection report carefully before making your decision.

You have the right to demand an inspection when you present your offer. It must be included in writing that your offer is contingent upon the outcome of the inspection; if you do not approve the inspection report, then you will not purchase the property. Many real estate contracts address inspection contigencies automatically.