The key professional qualifications of a Professional Home Inspector are experience, standards, and ethics. You should not leave your search until the last minute. Interview a Professional Home Inspector as soon as you find the right house.

Here are some important questions to ask:

1. Is the inspector a Certified Member of the American Society of Home Inspectors?
   
2. How long has the inspector been in business as a Professional Home Inspector?
   
3. Is the inspector specifically experienced in residential inspections?
   
4. Does the company do any repairs or improvements or make referrals to those who do? Such offers and/or referrals constitute an apparent conflict of interest and would be grounds to reject the inspector.
   
5. How long will the inspection take? (The average is 2 to 2 ½ hours.)
   
6. What will it include? (Get specifics.)
   
7. What will it cost? (The national average is $250.00.)
   
8. Does the inspection include a permanent report: written, video taped, etc.?
   
9. Does the inspector encourage the client to attend the inspection? This is a valuable education opportunity and he/she should welcome the client along.
   
10. Does the inspector participate in continuing education programs to keep his/her qualifications current?

Table of Contents | Homebuyer Course Start Page | Find A Realtor | Budgeting To Buy a Home | Neighborhoods | Find Your First House | Inspect Before You Buy | Shop For a Mortgage Loan | Mortgage Home Loan Process | Credit Score and Credit Report | Home Mortgage Loan Closing | Being a Home Owner

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