Home Inspections
A home inspection is a visual exam of the structure and systems of a house. It details problems with the property and if they’re serious enough to prevent a sale. Some main points of an inspection are physical condition of the home, items in need of repair or replacement, and the remaining useful life of major systems such as heating, and cooling.
A report won’t cover defects that are not visible, inoperable systems heating/cooling system if the home doesn't have power,(foreclosure etc).
It’s a good idea to be present during the inspection: you can ask the inspector questions, and the inspector can point out areas of potential trouble, may offer maintenance tips or refer you to a qualified contractor.
Depending on the size of the home an inspection can take hours and cost several hundreds of dollars.
The seller is not required to make repairs, but the buyer can use the report in negotiating (e.g., if a repair is made, the buyer will offer to pay more, otherwise the buyer will bid lower).
To hire an inspector, get recommendations from your Realtor or referrals, or do a google search under “Home Inspections in your area.” Be sure to ask about references, memberships in professional associations, professional training, and experience.