FrontDoor.com

• Look for an inspector before you shop for a home. If you choose a home first, time is critical and you may feel pressured to pick the first inspector you meet;
  
• Ask friends and family for recommendations or look up a list of local inspectors on the American Society of Home Inspectors website, www.ashi.org.
  
• Do your research and ask lots of questions of prospective inspectors, including their backgrounds, the length of time they've been in the business, the number of inspections they've performed and what sort of report they'll provide;
  
• Look for an inspector with a broad knowledge of a home's systems and structures, not just a specialized person such as a plumber or electrician;
  
• If your state regulates home inspectors, check with the state agency to verify the inspector's license and check his record for complaints;
  
• If your state does not regulate inspectors, look for credentials such as certification by ASHI.
  
• Make sure your inspector is objective, independent and does not have any affiliation with the real estate agency selling the home;
  
• Choose an inspector who carries errors and omissions insurance.
  
• Take the time to speak with several inspectors and have confidence in their skills and demeanor;
  
• Be sure your inspector is familiar with the particular type of house you're considering. Homes of different ages, designs and materials each have special risks and offer special signs, symptoms and clues to hidden damage;
  
• Choose an inspector who can deliver a completed report with plenty of time for review. Also request an electronic copy so you can e-mail it to friends and family.

<< What to expect on inspection day I Home inspection basics >>

GO TO: First-Time Homebuyer's Guide

Read the Top 10 Red Flags for Homebuyers:

1. Neighborhood Warning Signs
2. Mediocre Maintenance
3. Foundation Failures
4. Bad Smells
5. Faulty or Old Wiring
6. Fresh Paint...on One Wall
7. Locked Doors and Blockades
8. Foggy or Non-Functioning Windows
9. Structural Walls or Floors Have Been Removed
10. Bugs!
11. BOTTOM LINE: Always get a professional home inspection before buying a house!

More on FrontDoor:

• FrontDoor's Top 10 Tips and Advice on Everything Real Estate
• Search Homes for Sale
• Experienced Homebuyer's Guide
• Real Estate Survival Guide
• Home Finance Guide
• Foreclosure Guide
• Tools and Calculators