The inspection report tells you what needs to be repaired and what routine maintenance tasks you should perform to keep the house in top condition.

You should require an inspection at the time you make a formal offer. (Make sure the contract has an inspection contingency.) Then arrange for an inspector of your choice to inspect the house, and pay close attention to the inspection report. If you aren't comfortable with what we find, you can discuss correcting the problems with the seller prior to closing  or negotiate for a lower purchase price or better terms to compensate.  (You may want to consider talking with a real estate professional for specific information on how this works.)

The professional home inspection reduces the risk of costly surprises and helps you to make a more informed decision.  For a handy checklist of things to keep in mind as you search for your inspector and prepare for your home inspection, please take a look at our Inspection Preparation Checklist!