Offers of purchase and sale on a home are often contingent on a satisfactory home
inspection. That means the buyers have a period of time to hire a qualified home
inspector to do what his or her title suggests: inspect the property top to bottom and inside
and out. Based on the results, the buyers can either confirm their intention to complete the
purchase, or negotiate repairs or compensation for identified deficiencies.
How do you select a home inspector? Your REALTOR® can give you some recommendations.
Typically, you want someone who is certified with a recognized professional association,
such as the National Association of Home Inspectors (U.S.) and the Canadian
Association of Home & Property Inspectors.
It’s also advisable to choose a home inspector who has several years of experience inspecting
the type of property you’re considering buying. And, of course, ask for references.