Buying or Selling a Home/condo inspection

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Expert: John McKenna, CMI - 12/2/2007


Question
Hi I am going to buy a waterfront condo in South Fla. What certification should I look for in a home inspector. What would be a reasonable cost for that service and what would the estimate include in terms of what the inspector inspects?
Thank you

Answer
You can find an InterNACHI home inspector here
http://inspectorseek.com
It is the largest home inspection assoc. in north America.

Read this to understand the qualifications of an InterNACHI inspector...  http://www.nachi.org/blind.htm

Look for someone with past construction experience and be prepared to pay more for a better quality home inspection.  Cheap is not always better. ($400 to $500)

If they provide Thermal Imaging, this is a big plus also.  See my site for more info on this http://texas-inspection.com

If the Realtors in the area do NOT recommend a certain inspector, then he/she may be the best inspector you can find.  A nit picky inspector is a good thing.

Ask for a copy of their report and verification of what they inspect.  Always attend the inspection so you can see everything. Ask for verification of any credentials they claim and what is required in your state.

The inspection should include the items within the structural, mechanical, and appliances within the property, as well as any special needs you may need (pool, septic, well, sprinkler, etc...)

Hope this helps and good luck,

John McKenna, CMI
Certified Master Inspector
American Home Inspection
and Thermal Imaging
http://texas-inspection.com

Buying or Selling a Home

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John 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

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