Investopedia

Eloise Gauthier of Gauthier Real Estate in Lafayette, Louisiana said she recommends inspections to 100% of the buyers she works with, adding that they're especially important for first-timers, who "may not know what they're getting into."

In general, a proper inspection should take two to three hours, depending on the size and condition of the home, the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) said.

According to the NAR, "Some common problems inspectors look for are structural or foundation problems, improper drainage that could damage the structure over time, faulty wiring that could disqualify a home from being insured, HVAC system issues, and safety issues such as tripping hazards or too few smoke alarms or carbon monoxide detectors."

As mentioned, if your inspection uncovers certain kinds of problems, the seller could be legally required to fix them before they can sell the home to you or anyone else.

Otherwise, you may be able to use the results of your inspection report to negotiate a better deal than you and the seller initially agreed to. That could mean a lower price or some other type of concession, such as covering a portion of your closing costs or buying a home warranty for you. Gauthier, also an NAR regional vice president, said that sellers are often willing to pay for at least a one-year home warranty, which the new owner can later renew if they wish to.

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