Obtaining a Home Inspection

We've all seen the Money Pit with Tom Hanks and Shelley Long. Remember the one where they find their dream home, only to discover that after they've moved in, everything that could be wrong, is. In real life, this is a rarity because of one word - INSPECTIONS.

These days, a home rarely changes hands without them, and the haunting images from that movie are easily avoided. No one wants to move into their dream home only to discover muddy water, exploding electrical systems and rotting wood. A home inspector will look beyond the surface, top and bottom, from the roof to the plumbing, to uncover anything and everything that might affect a buyer's decision.

Real estate contracts allow for an inspection period where the buyer can opt out if any big surprises are discovered. It is wise to have a comprehensive overall general inspection, but there are a handful of specialized inspections I usually recommend as well. Buyers should consider chimneys and sewer lines, and it is not uncommon to have separate inspections for mold, foundation, roof and asbestos, particularly if the home is older. The general inspection, while comprehensive, cannot always find hidden problems, which is why I recommend having specialists for each area of concern.

If you'd like to eliminate any surprises in your home buying process, my name is Carol Wolfe, and if nobody does it better.