The Value of an Inspection
When you buy a used car, you probably take it to your mechanic first to have him look at it. Your mechanic may say it's a great car, runs fine, and is safe. He may point out some minor things for you to take care of. Or, he may say, 'Don't buy it'. Either way, you are prepared to feel comfortable with the car, negotiate the price, or walk away from the deal.
A home inspector can provide a similar service for a much larger and more important purchase. Your home is most likely the biggest investment you will ever make. You want your family to be able to live there safely, for a long time. And, once you're making those mortgage payments, you won't want a lot of expensive surprises in the form of repairs.
Sellers and real estate sales people may not want you to have an inspection. Their fear is that you will either negotiate the price way down, or walk away from the deal. We have always had a home inspection before purchasing any home. The inspection has never caused us to walk away from a deal, and I don't think we've ever negotiated down the price based on an inspection. However, the inspections have allowed us to feel prepared for any immediate repairs we wanted to do, and to plan for the future repairs that may need to be done in five or ten years.
If you don't like nasty surprises, have a home inspection.
Please see the Business Listing section of our website for some inspection firms near you.