As everyone has pointed out, you can ask for a home inspection contingency in any contract. The one "inspection" I would recommend before placing an offer is a thorough examination of areas that may fall into a "cosmetic" category (for example, below furniture and area rugs). Also, I recommend my buyers try to envision the home completely empty so you get a good feel of the fixtures that are included with the home. I hope it works out for you...Cocke County is a beautiful area!!

Carl: If you are working with a realtor - have them write up an offer with a contingency that a home inspection is to be performed with a specific time period (usually within 7-10 days of the binding agreement date). If using the TN Assoc. Realtors (TAR) Offer to Purchase contract, there is a section in there specific to having a home inspection and there are options to be checked off that allow for the buyer to either waive all possible repairs and accept home as is, provide list of repairs to seller and allow seller 'X" number of days to respond to make repairs at Seller's cost and if not, allows you the option to cancel the contract and recoup your earnest funds. There's also one more option to allow seller to counter with what repairs they are willing, or not willing, to make and allows time for you the buyer to respond, etc. Check with your realtor and have them go over it with you. If A) you are not working with a realtor, you can present an offer with those contingencies (I highly reccomend that you have a realtor represent you though) or B) if you have a realtor and they are not using the TAR form, then make sure the contract they are using covers the home inspection issue completely in a way that protects your interests.
Excellent question! Hope this helped.
Tina Evans, Principal Broker

Most get a home inspection after the offer has been accepted due to the cost of the inspection ,usually $250.00-$500.00 paid for by the buyer at the time the inspection is completed. Depending on how the contract is written you may not be out of the accepted offer if you find something in the inspection it usually has to be a structual issue . So if its in your budget to do this without knowing for sure you will get the house for all homes you are going to make an offer on..... yes get it done first attach it to your offer with the list of repairs or as why you are not willing to offer more because you will get the repairs done ,just do not think cash back at closing thats a not allowed in this state.

Carl, You don't want to spend the money on an inspection until your offer has been accepted.