Everyone knows the economy’s been a little rocky lately, with many houses going into foreclosure. Though this might be the case, there are still many (if not more) sellers out there trying to move their homes, and quite a few buyers looking for possible bargains. When these sellers and buyers agree to enter into a sale, a concerted look at the property is called for, so avoid home buying problems by using home inspections whenever possible.

What needs to be said is that these look-sees aren’t normally an absolute requirement of most home sales, though a lender might require it, on occasion. But with the exception of brand new homes, anyone who is buying a house and doesn’t consider ordering an inspection is taking a risk that’s not really called for. So make passing a home inspection part of the requirement before signing a final purchase agreement.

Another thing to know is that in almost every case the buyer of the home, and not the seller, will be responsible for paying for the inspection itself. Sometimes, if the owner is motivated to sell, he or she can be talked into paying for it, but this hardly ever happens. So be prepared to hand over anywhere from 100 to 300 dollars, on average. At minimum, make sure the foundation and structure are checked, along with heating and cooling systems.

Sometimes, confusion exists between what home inspections are and what “certificates of occupancy” are. In the latter, the city or town in which the home is located may require a thorough inspection by a city housing inspector, with all discrepancies corrected, before the home can be sold. Getting this certificate is a part of the seller’s responsibility, in most instances.

Home inspectors are independent contractors, usually, and the good ones have a certification or credential from one of several different organizations which exist for the training and education of inspectors. Research the market for a good one, or if using a real estate agent ask if he or she has a list of the ones that have been used in the past. The cost of the inspection is usually paid when the work is done and not at the closing of the sale, by the way.

Home inspections as a way to ensure a sound home purchase are an easy way to make sure the house being bought isn’t fatally tainted with hidden or unseen problems in the foundation, the roof, the wiring or even with termites. Make signing the final purchase agreement contingent upon the home successfully passing inspection. Sellers, especially today, won’t usually have a problem with this contingency, as it is called in the real estate business.