A home inspection is an important aspect of the process of buying or selling a home. Although not a warranty or guarantee, it does allow for an independent third party to give an assessment of the current condition of a property. This in turn assists the seller in establishing their home’s fair market value, and it may help avoid any surprise problems for the buyer.
In 1991, my husband and I and our three children were looking to move from Flint to Lansing, MI. We had previously lived in Lansing for six years; my husband’s job promotion taking us to Flint. Eight years later we were delighted to have the opportunity to move back to Lansing, where so many of our friends were still living.
We had found a house that fit our budget, had a great back yard, beautiful hardwood floors and a meager 10-minute drive, door-to-door, to my husband’s office. We were set to look at the house one more time, when our real estate agent gave us a disclosure statement. The house had been treated for termites - for me, a huge red flag. I was disappointed, but felt confident the house that was meant for us was out there waiting. The next house my husband found, not one week later, has been our home for nearly 18 years.
Your goal as a home buyer: To find the best home possible to suit your needs, at the best price possible. 
Like a good house hunter would, you search, research and question, repeating this process until you find your new digs. After all your pre-purchase care, you ink the last signature on your offer to purchase. Then a curious thing happens … you discard your house buying regimen and waive the contingency for a home inspection.
Usually, home buyers choose not to have a home inspection because they want to “save money.” Pardon me? Yes, you heard right - usually home buyers choose not to have a home inspection because they want to save money.
This is misconception numero uno. A home inspection is essential to the well-being of your offer to purchase.
I’ll give you three reasons why a home inspection is the best way to measure your house’s blood pressure in three minutes flat. On your market, get set, go. (more…)