AboutJohn McKenna, CMI Expertise I can answer your question about home inspections and the hidden aspects of of the industry. I own American Home Inspection for east Texas and am a Certified Master Inspector. Sometimes there are questions about buying and selling a home that a qualified and honest home inspector can answer. Many people are led to believe incomplete information about repair items and make costly mistakes when they respond. If you do not know enough information or know what to ask, you can buy a nightmare instead of a home. Is your home inspector working for you or the Realtor? Is the owner of the home telling the truth? How do you make sure the contractor who makes repairs will do it right? Is the Realtor moving too fast and causing a person to make hasty choices? What are some of the things the Realtor does not want you to know? What you discover after you are the owner of the home and then decide to sell? What type of box can the home inspector put you in when the new buyer is now inspecting your home? What can you do if the home inspector was negligent? How do you prepare for a home inspection? What should you do with the home inspection report at the negotiating table? What are the signs of sheeple being led to the slaughter? Why do some realtors hate the "deal killer" home inspector? What type of action can you take now to protect yourself from law suite after someone buys your home? When is something a minor or major problem? What are the most common problems found in a home inspection? What can you do to prepare for a home inspection? What questions can you ask the home inspector so you choose the right one? The list goes on and on... "The truth will make you free"
Experience Over 25 years experience in construction and board certified as a Certified Master Inspector. Licensed by the Texas Real Estate Commission as a Professional Home Inspector (TREC #4565) and Certified by the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI).
Education/Credentials Certified Master Inspector (CMI)
National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI)
Licensed by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC #4565) See more info: http://texas-inspection.com
Expert: John McKenna, CMI Date: 1/26/2008 Subject: Inspection on a Foreclosed Home
Question Greetings - before getting an inspector out to look at the property, what are key items to look for when inspecting a home that's foreclosed? A lot of times these homes go fast and offers have to be made quickly, but I don't want to jump in if I don't know what I would be getting into. How do you check for the quality of the roof, floor, a/c, water heater, and other major issues of the home before a detailed professional inspection is made?
Answer There is a real temptation to answer your questions with a shot from the hip, but there is always more than meets the eye in a home inspection. A roof can look perfect, but still have major issues in several areas, if not inspected properly (the possibilities are endless).
I suggest you study the photos and text at the following link and then call a nit picky veteran home inspector to do the final inspection before you buy ANY house. The following page will give you a lot of very useful information. These pictures will speak thousands of words and help answer your questions. Space does not allow me to tell you everything you just asked.
