By Larry L Tolliver
I can't over emphasize the importance of a Home Inspection Report.
For sellers this report should be included in your listing package, for buyers this will provide a clear view of any defects the home might have. Home sellers this report should be attached to your TDS (Transfer Disclosure Statement), on receipt of the report, the seller act to eliminate some or all of the deficiencies noted in the home inspection report.
When you bring any defects to code a new report should be ordered immediately. Home sellers will be protected down the road, by demands to correct defects or to adjust the sales price in order to close escrow. The listing agent should order this report on the seller's behalf. The listing agent will lose control over the marketing and closing process, and expose himself to claims of misrepresentation, when the buyer or the buyer's agent orders the report first. Home Inspectors are generally your Contractors, Structural pest control operators, architects and registered engineers.
When hiring a home inspector you should look for these qualifications. Educational training in home inspection related reports, length in time in inspection employment, errors and omissions insurance, and professional and client references; and membership in the California Real Estate Inspection Association. A listing agent requesting a home inspection report should advise the home inspector that the seller, broker and all prospective buyers of the property will be relying on the report. This disclosure will avoid later (unenforceable) claims by the home inspector that the report was intended for sole use of the seller, broker, or buyer who signed the home inspector's contract.
Here is a South Bay area home inspection company http://www.southbayhomeinspections.com/ they specialize in enhanced home inspections, pool and spa inspection, lead testing, and air sampling and mold. This company stress the need for continual training of their inspectors, they also posses membership of highly professional accreditations.
