Home Inspection

What to Expect From a Home Inspector
What can home buyers expect from a private home inspector – besides a bill for around $350 (depending upon size of property and/or complexity of the inspector's report)?

First of all, we suggest you require proof of membership in the American Society of Home Inspectors. Home inspection is presently a comparatively unregulated industry in many states; ASHI-certified inspectors meet stringent requirements and abide by a sturdy Code of Ethics.

Next, expect a written report within one or two days following the inspection.

Possible Repairs
Our experience has taught us that home buyers don't hesitate to make necessary repairs to the home they're considering – they just want to know up-front what to expect, and how much money to plan on spending.

Your private home inspection protects your interests, just as an appraiser's inspection protects the lender from whom you'll obtain your mortgage. Your inspection assures you that the house you're purchasing is what it appears to be. And it alerts you to the maintenance and repair your new home will need as time goes on.

Here are some sample costs:

Problems	Examples	Costs
Serious	heating, cooling, roofing, plumbing	$2,000-$5,000
Medium	insulation, paint	$500-$2,000
Minor	electrical outlets, kitchen sink	$100-$500

If no serious problems are found, inspection can pay off indirectly in maintenance tips and the assurance that you are making a sound investment. And if the inspection unearths catastrophic problems that can't be resolved to your satisfaction, Real Living’s purchase agreement protects your interests. Ask your Real Living sales associate to explain all the possibilities.