Private Home Inspections:

Structural inspections are particularly important. During these examinations, an inspector comes to the property to determine if there are any material physical defects and whether expensive repairs and replacements are likely to be required in the next few years. Such inspections for a single-family home often require two or three hours, and buyers should attend. This is an opportunity to examine the property’s mechanics and structure, ask questions and learn far more about the property than is possible with an informal wwalk-through.

We always recommend that a purchase contract be contingent upon a satisfactory home inspection. You can find an inspector through a friend, the Yellow Pages under “Building Inspection” or “Home Inspection” or by recommendation from your REALTOR®.

Municipality Inspections:

Some cities and townships in Southeast Michigan require municipality inspections to be ordered and Certificates of Approval/Review/Occupancy before properties can be transferred. The costs and details of such inspections vary by municipality. Sellers may require that a Buyer assume the repairs and obtain Temporary Certificates of Approval prior to closing. Your agent can tell you which cities and townships have these requirements, and what they mean to you, as a buyer.

FHA/VA/Government Loan Inspections

When obtaining a government-funded mortgage, an FHA or VA inspector also inspects the property prior to the loan being approved. These inspectors will determine what repairs, if any, must be completed prior to closing. An FHA or VA inspection is never a substitute for a Private Home Inspection, and your REALTOR® can guide you in the necessary negotiations when you are obtaining a government loan.