In the past decade, it seems that many prospective home buyers have toiled over studying the housing markets, the mortgage rates and even the stock market. All these elements fall outside a buyer’s control. However, there is always one reliable source of information a prospective home buyer can count on -- the home inspection.

HouseMaster, the most experienced home inspection franchise, notes that too many home buyers are still unaware of the importance of a thorough and proper home inspection. They spend months researching neighborhoods and mortgage providers, but the home inspection often becomes an afterthought when they make an offer on a prospective home.

Kathleen Kuhn, HouseMaster president and CEO, says “Buyers should take the time to research home inspection providers because there is a difference in training and qualifications. The information on an inspection report can influence the final price of the home and help a buyer shape realistic expectations for the home once they move in. So a good home inspector is a critical component in the process.”

Buyers should not balk at the idea of a home inspection that takes two hours or more, depending on the size of the home. This is the average time needed to review all the major elements of a home, and it’s the ideal time for a well-trained home inspector to show prospective homeowners how to locate and operate some key components. This is the time when buyers get a “backstage” tour of how the home works.

A buyer who is prepared with the right information, the right frame of mind, and a little patience can usually find a suitable property in any market. So if it is your time to become a homeowner, do the research and make the move!

Here are some questions you should ask before making a decision:

  • Do they provide you with an Inspection Resource Guide that includes home maintenance checklists that can be used before, during, and after the inspection?
  • Do they have a list of common definitions to help you better understand what they will be looking for?
  • Are they apart of a franchise or corprate entity that is well versed in the home inspection industry or members of a professional inspection organization?
  • Do they provide transparency on certifications and experience?
  • Do they provide you with a report 24 hours after the inspection?

If you answered "no" to some of these questions, then you might not be getting the best home inpector for you! Taking time to research and find the perfect inspector is always worth it to make sure that your home is being taken care of.