When buying or selling a house it is important to remember what expertise each person involved has - especially a REALTOR.  As a REALTOR, my expertise is in marketing and selling property for a seller and finding a home based on the needs and wants of a buyer.  A REALTOR is NOT an attorney, a structural engineer, a plumber or an electrician.  It is important to remember that if there is a question about a home you need answered - go to the expert in that field.  If you are concerned about a foundation - call a foundation/structural engineer. If you are concerned about a plumbing problem - call a plumber.  Don’t ask a REALTOR to diagnose a problem they are not qualified to diagnose.  Save yourself heartache and disappointment - for everyone.

I encourage all buyers to get a home inspection.  With a home inspection buyers can collect more detailed information on the property they are considering in in order to make a more informed decision.  However, most people think only of a general home and termite inspection when they think about what to look for.  A lot of people do not think about other types of inspections such as environmental and structural inspections.  As a REALTOR in a rural lake area, I believe it is important to consider a septic system inspection and if a property includes a dock - a dock inspection.  I know of people who have closed on their properties only to begin having septic system problems and then having to put in an aerobic septic system which is about double the cost of a traditional septic system.  Likewise, people buying property which includes a boat dock and have no knowledge of docks or boat lifts, would be wise to get these structures inspected prior to closing.  Dock repairs can be quite costly.  Be informed and know the specifics of the property you are planning on buying.  It could save you a lot of money down the road.