Home Buying Process	|	Financing	|	Consumer Issues	|	Education	|	About	|	Home
Can I be a homeowner? Finding a home Making an offer on a home Applying for a loan Inspections The closing process Real Estate loan glossary Important Resources				Your credit Predatory lending Finding a healthy home

Inspections

Importance of getting an inspection

It is recommended that you hire a professional to perform a home inspection on the house you are interested in purchasing. A home inspection is an objective examination of the physical structure and systems of a home. Make sure the professional you hire inspects all the major systems in the house, such as heating and cooling, plumbing, and electrical.

If problems are identified, it doesn't necessarily mean you shouldn't buy the house. However, you should be aware of potential repairs. A seller may adjust the purchase price or contract terms if major problems are found. Or, you may decide not to purchase the home.

If you decide not to proceed, you may forfeit certain up-front costs, such as your mortgage loan application fee and credit report fees that you may have already paid the lender.