One of the greatest fears of homebuyers is that they purchase a money pit. Unfortunately for many their greatest fear can be realized.

How do you avoid purchasing a home with problems that you cannot afford to fix?

Well one of the best ways is to have your home professionally inspected by a home inspector. It is unfortunate but true, the quality and qualifications of home inspectors varies greatly.

In most states including New Jersey the minimum qualification to obtain a home inspectors license is so low it allows many new home inspectors to practice on homebuyers.

How do the new inspectors get business without much experience?

Many offer bargain basement pricing, others beg unscrupulous realtors to refer business to them with the unspoken promise they will keep the deal alive at any cost.

What happens when you are the victim of an incompetent home inspector?

State Licensing Boards may" take action against the inspector but the most you will usually get from them is your money back. The alternate is to spend thousands of dollars hiring an attorney to sue the inspector. You may spend thousands of dollars, wait years for your day in court and then find the inspector has no assets and no insurance. Thus you are out more money than before you filed your suit.

It is vital you check out the credentials of the inspector you intend to hire and get referrals from friends, relatives and your attorney to raise the odds of you being happy with the inspector and ultimately the home you purchase!