Inspection

Home inspections are non-invasive examinations of the condition of a home and include checking, among other things, the roof, basement, heating and air conditioning systems, water heater, plumbing, electrical systems, and the overall structure of the house.

Inspectors are trained, certified professionals, licensed by the state. They look not only for items that require extensive repair, but general maintenance issues and improper building practices, as well as fire and safety issues.

A home inspection is not technically exhaustive and may not discover every issue or defect in a property. Home Inspectors don't certify property boundaries, permits, easements, or right of ways, and they generally don't do septic, termite or pool inspections.

You can find great resources for home inspections by visiting The National Association of Home Inspectors, or The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors.

When selling your home, it might serve you well to be prepared for a buyer to expect you to fix things that are broken or at least to give them a price concession so they can get the things fixed after the sale. You would probably expect the same if you were buying, right?