Paul Howard Realty, Paul Howard, Broker/Realtor 856-488-8444
serving home buyers in Pennsauken and the surrounding area.

Call me now or fill out the form below. We are members of the National Assocation of Exclusive Buyer Agents (NAEBA).

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Home Inspection Information

Should the buyer be wary-and of what?
 What does the FHA have to say about home inspections?
I encourage all buyers to have a professional home inspector evaluate the house they are buying. The inspector should make a detailed inspection of the house and make a detailed written report. The report may lead you to request additional repairs prior to the purchase and the sales contract should make provision for action based on the inspection results. For information about other inspections that may be required or recommended see the table below.
I don't recommend any particular company but, rather, list them for your information. You can find other companies that perform these services at the American Society of Home Inspectors web site.
The American Society of Home Inspectors
   MBC Inspections/ Lukoff Engineering
(Rich Lukoff) ASHI member
856-424-5206
Cherry Hill, NJ
Preferred Property Inspections & Engineering, Inc
16 North Maple Avenue
Marlton, NJ 08053
856-797-1900
F: 856-797-1911
www.homeinspectionservicesnj.com
     
     
Inspection type Remarks estimated cost/ 
who (normally) pays
Usually........
Appraiser To ensure the property has enough value to secure the mortgage. ~$500 paid by buyer required for mortgage
Survey . $500 (more for larger lots) paid by buyer sometimes required for mortgage
Town C/O
(certificate of occupancy)
Requirements vary by town. Some have no c/o requirement on resale homes- most do. Some inspect outside only - others inspect in and out.  normally paid by seller required for mortgage and by title co
Smoke Detector This may be an actual inspection but is sometimes only a statement by homeowner-it depends on the towns requirement. paid by seller required by state
Pest Inspection
Informational site 
This is commonly called a termite inspection but it is really a wood boring pest inspection. About $85. paid by buyer normally required by mortgage lender if not you should get it anyway.
Home inspection Review contract terms. About $~$500+ depending on what is included.
depending on company and size of home. 
paid by buyer at time of inspection
Recommended -even if you are buying a home 'as is'. You want to know what 'as is' is.
 Radon Gas . $125-150 depending on type of test and company 
paid by buyer 
.
Lead Paint If house was constructed before 1978 read literature about Lead Based paint Buyer pays  $350-450 .
Underground Oil Tank Environmental issue
If there has been a conversion from oil to gas in the house check for evidence of an old underground tank.
Vacuum test about $400.
Negotiate to have seller pay.
May be required but should be done anyway if not.
Water test For Private well paid by seller Required by state law for private drinking water
Sewer test For Private sewer paid by buyer Buyer should always require it.