Here is a checklist of items you should consider once you get a property under contract and are planning to have it inspected. This list encompasses questions that you should consider when hiring an inspector and tips for ensuring that the property is prepared for a complete inspection.

1. Does your inspector’s credentials meet or exceed state licensing requirements and industry standards?

2. Does your inspector’s company require them to meet ongoing training and performance standards?

3. Does your inspector have Error and Omission Insurance and a guarantee that stays in effect after the inspection has been conducted?

4. Does your inspector belong to any industry organizations like the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), the National Society of Professional Engineers, and the National Academy of Building Inspection Engineers?

5. Have you checked at least 3 professional references of the inspector?

6. Have you made sure that the utilities are all turned on still at the property including furnace,a/c, appliances, electric, gas, water, and water heater so that they can be checked during the inspection?

7. Does your inspector have a lockbox key or will someone be there to let them inside the property to inspect?

In the real estate transaction process it is commonplace to see a home buyer inspecting a home. It makes sense to see the issues that will need repair up front for piece of mind and bargaining. However it is not uncommon for agents to be recommending, or even paying for pre-listing inspections. If you are working with a top Cincinnati Real Estate Agent they should be encouraging you to have a pre-listing inspection to give the seller the opportunity to fix problems before a seller finds them and asks to discount the selling price.

The American Society of Home Inspectors has a good national website with important information on it. In fact ASHI has a virtual home inspection on its website that you can do with your perspective clients for education purposes. We will have links to local Cincinnati Home Inspectors in our links section that is coming soon so please check back soon.