Susie,

See my reply on the other thread.

Molly~

In VA, home inspectors are not licensed...and registration with the state is voluntary. Yes...you definetly should have the house inspected....but find an inspector who has registred with the state, who is recommended by family or friends...not the realtor as some will only refer those HI's who go easy on the house...and there is no way to know if your realtor is one who fits that description...and check references!!!

As a guide, an average szie home in average condition should take at minimum 2 hours to inspect....otherwise, you are getting a MINIMAL inspection, at best.

Don't settle for a checklist..or a report that is mostly boiler plate about houses in general. Hire an inspector who takes the time to provide a full narrative report on the house you wish to buy. Try to hire one who is insured..although it may be tough in VA as there is no regulation.

Appraisals are ordered by your lending institution..not the buyer.
Best wishes.

I have posted about our good experience with our home inspector here in NoVA before, there is a link to the thread (which includes a link to his WEBsite/contact information) below. Ours was new construction but he does perform all kinds of inspections.

You might want to go ahead and make an offer on the house and make it contingent on the inspection. Your bank will schedule an appraisal before they finalize your loan.

Good Luck with your home purchase!

Here is a link that might be useful: Hiring an Inspector

In Virginia home inspections are a contingency in the sales contract. You will not be granted access to inspect without an accepted contract.
You will normally have 10 days after acceptance of the contract to arrange and perform the inspection. The time limit is stated in the contingency clause.
If you do not meet the deadline and counter the contingency is waived.

Virginia is a contract state. There is no cooling off periods, lawyer review periods, etc.
Once you sign and the seller accepts the contract is valid and enforceable.

If you do not have any experience you need either a buyerÂs agent or a good real estate attorney. Do not use a general attorney for this. RE law is a specialty.

Watch out for the general RE contract from the board of realtors. It contains a number of ÂproblemsÂ.

brickeyee--what are the "problems" in the general RE contract from the board of realtors? You're making me nervous!! Thanks.

The clause covering the condition of the property has some holes.
If you do an 'as is' sale, a buyer can come back under the other portions of the same clause and try and demand that all equipment be in 'normal operating condition' on the date of conveyance.
The intention is that the equipment be in the same condition as of date of contract, not 'normal operating condition'.

laura seems to be spamming a lot of posts this morning.