When selling your home, hire a professional inspector before putting it on the market for sale. Get a recommendation from the American Society of Home Inspectors (www.ashi.com). Expect to pay around $300 for a two-hour inspection and be sure to accompany the inspector to discuss any defects discovered.
Having your own inspection can protect you from future hassles. A buyer might bring an action against you in the future, claiming that you knew, say, that the roof was leaking but failed to disclose the problem. If so, you might be liable for breach of contract or fraud damages.
A report from a reputable inspector can defend you against such allegations. After you have your house inspected, stipulate that the transaction is an “as is” sale. That means you must disclose all known home defects but will not pay for any repairs. Again, this arrangement can help you avoid lawsuits over defects that become apparent after the sale closes.
