Buying a home will possibly be the biggest investment of your life.  That is why it is critical to take any precautionary measures to protect your investment.  Unless you are buying a brand new home, there will probably be some substantial repairs that are hidden under the surface that if not repaired before your purchase, will be your financial responsibility.

Although it is common that most used homes will have some repairs, it is best to avoid major repairs that cost thousands of dollars to correct.  Before making a major purchase, hire a professional to do a home inspection.  The inspection could cost between $250 to $400, but save you thousands.  Some of the major red flags to look for are:

• Environmental hazards (water contamination, asbestos, lead paint, and radon)
• Moisture in basement
• Defects in roof
• House settlement
• Fireplace/chimney separating or settling
• Mixed Plumbing
• Termites or Carpenter Ants
• Failing air-conditioning compressor
• Cracked heater exchange
• Horizontal foundation cracks
• Aluminum wiring

A pre-purchase inspection is your only warranty when purchasing a house.  Take the time and the small amount of money to find a certified home inspector that will give you an impartial professional opinion of your prospective purchase.