• To identify problems before you purchase that could influence your decision.
• To enable you to "back out" of the purchase if serious problems are identified and receive a refund of your earnest money deposit.
• If you choose to purchase the home despite the problems identified, the report will help you renegotiate an adjustment in the price, get the seller to agree to provide or pay for the needed repairs using escrowed funds, or provide you with some basis for determining investment risk.
• The report should give some idea of what it may cost to repair or replace a problem.

The inspection report is not the same as an appraisal and will not include a recommendation as to whether or not you should purchase the home.

Selecting a Qualified Inspector

Most municipal building inspection departments maintain a list of qualified home inspectors. The inspector should be properly licensed.  The American Society of Home Inspectors establishes  standards for home inspection services and may help you in locating a member. 

A reputable home inspector should never offer to perform the repairs nor should he/she refer you to a contractor to perform the repairs.  It is advisable to obtain a referral from a satisfied customer and check references of three prior clients if possible.