Most Buyers Value Home Inspections

A survey conducted by the American Society of Home Inspectors and the National Assn. of Realtors found 77% of recent home buyers obtained a home inspection prior to the purchase of their homes.

The Home Inspection Industry Study, which polled 1,000 home buyers and 900 real estate agents, also found that 97% of the home buyers who obtained a home inspection believed it was a good value for the price they paid.

On the poll’s rating scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being “strongly disagree” and 5 being “strongly agree,” home buyers indicated with an average score of 4.51 that a home inspection significantly influenced their purchase offers.

“It’s clear from this survey that home inspections are utilized more now than ever,” said John Ghent, president of the inspectors’ association.

The study surveyed home buyers and real estate agents in all regions of the country. Also, home buyers who obtained a home inspection, 81% had a contingency placed in the purchase contract for the inspection and 79% were present during the inspection. Virtually all of the agents polled recommend a home inspection.