Whether you’re a home buyer or seller, the home inspection is one of the most important parts of the entire process.

For buyers, a home inspection will bring to light problems that you might not have noticed before. In some cases, a buyer can discover issues about the home that cause them to rethink their purchase.

For sellers, having your home inspected can show you what you need to fix before you put your home on the market, eliminating the need to haggle with potential buyers over the price.

Choosing the right home inspector is a crucial part to making the home inspection process run smoothly. Here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind when choosing a home inspector:

• It’s wise to try looking for a home inspector first even before looking for a home. When you’re already engaged in negotiations with a home seller, your time is limited, so you may feel pressured to go with the first home inspector you encounter.
• Try asking your friends or relatives for recommendations. You can also look for local home inspectors on the American Society of Home inspectors website.
• Remember to talk with prospective inspectors thoroughly. Ask them about their background, how long they’ve been in the business, how many successful inspections they’ve performed, and what type of report they can provide you.
• Look for an inspector who will remain objective and independent throughout the process. An inspector should not be affiliated with the real estate agency in charge of selling the home.
• Choose an inspector who specializes in the particular type of home you’re about to buy or sell. Each home is built differently and is made using different materials, thus there are different risks, signs, and symptoms to look out for.
• Make sure your inspector can submit a complete report in a timely manner, so you can have plenty of time for review. Most inspectors can also provide you with an electronic copy, so you can share it to friends and relatives via e-mail if needed.

For more helpful tips, take a look at this page.