Buying a Home

Home& Garden Text

Buying your first home or perhaps just trading up to a new home? Two things you will need to do, get a home inspection on your new home prior to purchase and get an appraisal. Do you know the difference? A home inspection is for a buyer. A home inspection gives the buyer more detailed information about the overall condition of a home prior to making a purchase. A qualified home inspector takes an in-depth, unbiased look at your potential new home to evaluate the physical condition, structure, construction and mechanical systems, indentify items that need to be repaired or replaced and provide an estimate of the remaining useful life of the major systems equipment, structure and finishes.

An appraisal is for a lender. An appraisal is required to estimate the market value of a house, ensure the house meets minimum Federal Housing Authority (FHA) property standards and requirements and make sure the house is marketable. Make sure your real estate agent is recommending that home inspections and appraisals are performed.

Questions or comments: write or email eugene.dougherty@realliving.com