It is recommended that you hire a professional to perform a home inspection on the house you are interested in purchasing. A home inspection is an objective examination of the physical structure and systems of a home. Make sure the professional you hire inspects all the major systems in the house, such as heating and cooling, plumbing, and electrical. The fee for the inspection is a cost to the buyer paid at the time of the inspection.

If problems are identified, it doesn't necessarily mean you shouldn't buy the house. However, you should be aware of potential repairs. A seller may adjust the purchase price or sales contract terms if major problems are found. Or, you may decide not to purchase the home. The age of the house may dictate other type of inspections necessary.

If you decide not to proceed, you may forfeit certain up-front fees, such as your mortgage loan application fee and credit report fees that you may have already paid the lender.

Fair Housing Council of Oregon
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