Home inspections are an essential component of real estate transactions for millions of buyers and sellers. Whether you are shopping for a previously owned house or a brand new house, an inspection provides insight to the condition of the home you are buying. If you are putting your house on the market, a pre-sale inspection may help hasten the sale and could generate a higher price.

In essence, a home inspection is a visual examination of a house and property to determine the overall condition of the home. When performed by a qualified professional, it includes:

• A thorough visual inspection of the structure (inside and out, from
  foundation to roof).
• An examination of all major systems.
• An objective evaluation of the condition of more than 200 items.
• A printed report covering all findings and identifying potential concerns.

A pre-purchase home inspection can add peace of mind and make a difficult decision much easier. It may indicate that the home needs major structural repairswhich can be factored into your buying decision. A home inspection helps remove a number of unknowns and increases the likelihood of a successful purchase.