If you are planning to sell your home you may wish to have an inspection prior to placing your home on the market. It will give you a better understanding of conditions, which may be discovered by the buyer's inspector, and an opportunity to make repairs that will put the house in better selling condition.

A home inspection is an examination of the structure and systems: heating and air conditioning, plumbing and electrical, roof, attic, insulation, walls, floors, ceilings, windows, doors, foundation, and basement. No house is perfect. If the inspector finds problems, it doesn't mean you can't sell your house.

You may or may not want to make the repairs and you can always adjust the selling price or contract terms if the problems are major. This information will also help you determine what type of financing will or will not be available for your home.

It is my personal opinion that as a seller you may want an inspector that has been selected by you and not someone's agent. The Buyer may of course select their own inspector after a contract has been signed. And to them I also recommend that they select their own inspector, not one referred by an agent or a lender.

Finding a Home Inspector

You can find home inspectors in the yellow pages under "Home Inspection Service" or any real estate agent or mortgage broker can recommend several in your area. I have included a list of great inspectors on this site for your convenience. Home Inspectors.

Wherever you find your inspector you may wish to ask if he is a member of the American Society of Home Inspectors, ASHI, or a member of NACHI, National Association of Certified Home Inspectors, or local organizations similar to GAHI, Georgia Association of Home Inspectors. These are non-profit professional associations that have developed "Standards of Practice" and a professional Code of Ethics that members are required to follow. You may also want to ask if he is a member of the local Better Business Bureau.

Termite inspection…

This is just a quick note to point out that termite inspections are not really a new part of the home inspection process. Lenders have been requiring termite inspections as a condition for approving a new home loan for decades. A termite inspection and the repair of damage have been a requirement of home sales almost as long. In almost all states, termite inspectors are licensed, and their written reports are required to be registered.