A home inspection, even on a brand new home, will confirm that the structure and systems are in good condition or it will advise you of problems that need attention. Regardless of the disclosures made by the seller, an independent, competent third party can verify the property's condition and perhaps uncover problems of which the sellers are unaware.  

In terms of the buying and selling of property, home inspections are relatively new. Today, every buyer wants one, even in areas where a home inspection is not required by the mortgage lender. The seller, too, is well served by a home inspection. A home is the largest purchase most people will make. With home prices what they are, no buyer wants to take chances. It is imperative that the buyers know what they're getting.

Thousands of parts comprise a home and more than a dozen different systems. Most homes today have heating and cooling systems, potable and waste water systems, electrical, phone and cable systems and several others. A home has a foundation, roof, floors, walls, insulation, chimney and a host of other areas where problems can occur. It's important to know whether each of these systems as well as all their elements are in good shape, broken or about to fall apart. 

As the buyer, you will put a down payment on the initial transaction and then assume a monthly mortgage payment. The last thing you want to do is replace the roof a few weeks after you move in. Repairs are costly. A new roof or a cracked foundation can cost thousands to repair. A home inspection, hopefully, will reveal these flaws. Then you can insist that the seller fix them or you can negotiate with the seller to reduce the price of the house or pay a substantial portion of the cost of the repairs. 

When the sales agreement is prepared, make sure that it provides for an inspection and that the sale is contingent upon the satisfactory findings of the inspection. Once the sales agreement is signed, you can arrange to have the home inspected. Sellers today are often paying for inspections before the house is put on the market. By doing so, they can make any necessary repairs. 

As the buyer, you can decide whether to accept the sellers' inspection report or order another inspection. You may not be satisfied with the expertise of the first inspector or you may want to address specific issues in the house. It's a great idea to accompany the inspector and of course, this isn't possible if the inspection report is already complete.

A home inspection is the best way to verify the condition of the property. You'll know what's working, what's not, what needs replaced and in many cases, what to expect in the next several years. You'll save money, eliminate most surprises and enjoy substantial peace of mind.