Action Steps

 

Don’t hire a home inspector based on just one recommendation, especially from your real estate broker or a salesperson. Instead, ask for referrals from people who used inspectors to buy their homes. Did the inspector find everything that was wrong? Or did he or she overlook problems that surfaced later on?

Go into property inspections with a checklist of your specific con­cerns about the property based on problems you already saw –(e.g., roof or wet basement).

Carry a digital camera when you visit potential investment properties and later go through the properties with a home inspector. Keep snap­ping as you go.

Turn on faucets in every location of a building you are considering to check water pressure. The pressure might be great in the kitchen on the first floor. Will it also be great in the bathroom two stories up?

“Kick all the tires” during your inspection by testing the sprinkler sys­tem, garbage disposals, garage door openers,  and everything else. The things you forget to inspect can cost you a great deal to repair later on.

If a seller refuses to let an inspector onto a property, walk away from the deal. Mortgage lenders will not lend you money to buy properties under such conditions, and you should not want to either. 

 

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