A Complete Home Physical
We at Real Living believe it's crucial for you to protect yourself by having a home inspection conducted prior to closing. A professional assessment by a reputable home inspector may uncover any problems (large or small), alerting you to any needed repairs and updates. With your Real Living agent's help, you may even be able to negotiate for repair or replacement of items before the purchase is complete.

You'll have the opportunity to bring in a home inspector of your choosing once you go into contract. The inspector will perform a comprehensive evaluation of the home and property, doing everything from testing outlets and faucets; to identifying signs of dampness, termites or carbon monoxide; to making sure walls are strong and windows are secure.

Hire an inspector you can count on
If you don't already have a particular inspector in mind, ask someone you trust for a reference. The inspection will cost several hundred dollars (actual cost depends on the size of the property and complexity of the report), so it's important that you feel confident about the person conducting it and the quality of his or her work. In fact, your Real Living agent is a good resource for home inspection references, as he or she has undoubtedly worked with a number of quality inspectors. Choose an inspector who can provide proof of qualifications such as certifications and memberships to home inspection organizations.

It’s best to schedule your home inspection during daylight hours if possible. You should also make every attempt to attend the home inspection, which will last two to four hours depending on the size of the home. Your participation will provide information on general maintenance tips, and alert you of any concerns with the condition of the property. Upon completion of the inspection, you and your agent should receive a copy of the report for review. Any non-cosmetic items that are of concern would then be addressed by your agent in the preparation of a "Buyer's Request to Remedy" which is provided to the seller's agent. Feel free to ask questions during the inspection – the more you know about your new home, the better.

Take care of repairs
The inspector should deliver a written report within one or two days. It's perfectly normal to have a handful of small issues that need attention or repair. Work with your Real Living agent to decide which of these to ask the seller to handle or pay for, and which you'll handle yourself.

Even if your home inspector finds no serious problems, the inspection can pay off indirectly. In addition to identifying immediate-need repairs, you'll be alerted to future maintenance issues as well. It's always good to know up-front what to expect, and how much such repairs could cost.

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 each possibility.

Learn more about home inspections from the seller's point of view.