Here is a resource I just received an email from. They are Flashlight Home Inspection. They offer discounts and thermal inspections which show how 'green' your prospective home is.

Hi James,

As previously mentioned, there are the basic inspections: house, wood detroying pest, roof, chimney, natural hazards. Depending on the size of the property, around $700 is good estimate.

When working with a buyer, I provide a Buyer Inspection Advisory that tells my client the plethora of reports that are available to be able to satisfy themselves about the property condition. Here in the East Bay for example, we are known to have soils that expand and contract so if your parents are considering new development, they may want have the soils tested. There other recommended inspectons like zoning, boundaries, sewer, geological, radon and mold, etc. The more you test (inspect), the more expensive it will be.

With a common interest development, if it is new, I wouldn't nickel and dime just because the builder warranty is in place. Litigation is often filed within the first 7 years ownership, and pending litigation can affect values.

Arturo C. Shivers, Realtor
CA DRE Lic. #01779941
Keller Williams Realty
760 Camino Ramon, Suite 200
Danville, CA 94526
Office: (925) 855-8333 Ext. 272

Dear James,

I would allow approximately $650 for basic inspections.

The basic inspections for condos are: Pest and Home. However, your parents’ may want to consider more based on the kind of property they have in mind. Their Realtor should be able to provide an entire list of possible inspections and licensed inspectors for them to review.

Linda Van Drent
Associate Broker
Coldwell Banker
DRE# 01051129

Locate an inspector nearby: http://www.creia.org

James,

If they pay COD,

1) Home inspection which will run about $350

2) In an REO many times buyer will have to pay for pest at $275

3) Chimney will run $125 if there is a fireplace.

Bob 'Love' Georgiou
RE/MAX Accord
Broker, ABR, e-Pro, GRI, CRS
Lic #01270522
http://www.bob2sell.com
925 980 3248

Buy and sell homes like an investment and make every dollar work!

LinkedIn
http://www.linkedin.com/in/bobgeorgiou