How much should I pay for a home inspection?

Q: Gerald, as we continue to search for a house, we’ve decided to take your advice and pay for a home inspection. How much should we pay for a home inspection? Brook, Flanders, NJ

A: Brook, you’re smart to get a home inspection. The cost of doing a home inspection will vary from place to place, but I’ve found throughout the US, most home inspections cost between $350 and $550. I’d shop around, but the experience and competence of the inspection company is more important than the cost.

I’ve been investing in real estate for 15 years and I still pay for home inspections when I buy just to benefit from another set of eyes. You may be able to get by without doing a home inspection, but I don’t think it’s worth the risk—pay a few hundred dollars more for the peace of mind it’ll give you.

Thanks for your question, Brook, good luck!

For more real estate tips and information, visit my blog at geraldlucas.com.

I’m Gerald Lucas and I’ll see you again soon.

Testimonials

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Vaughn | Westfield, New Jersey

“Good afternoon, Gerald, I appreciate you for staying consistent and helping me with my mortgage lender for the last few months. The free guide you gave me helped us figure out the right path to take. I finally got all the money to make my loan current by the end of the week.”

Stephen Brunson | Plainfield, New Jersey

“Sir Gerald Lucas..my Knight who rescued me from the prison of Rushmore. At last I feel freedom to stop worrying about keeping myself financially afloat. You came into my life and gave me peace of mind. I will always remember your kindness and generous spirit. You are daily in my thoughts and prayers. May your gratuitous services to me be The Blessing it was,and may you be rewarded with many Blessings in return. I prayed to God for help and He sent YOU. Much love.”

Mary Elizabeth Robinson | Wilmington, Delaware

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Berkis Castro | Clifton, New Jersey

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Gita Gorji | Hoboken, New Jersey

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Crystal | Totowa, New Jersey

“Finally the bank called me and said that my loan modification was approved! I thank you so much for your help it really meant a lot to me...I really appreciate you. Thank you Thank you Thank you”

Camille Perry | Newark, New Jersey

“Hey Gerald wanted to give you a heads up that they offered me a loan modification. Thanks for all your help!"

Robert Evans | North Arlington, New Jersey

“I appreciate everything you were able to do with my lender, I am immensely grateful to you."

Carol Cunningham| West Orange, New Jersey

“Thank you so much for your help, Gerald. I feel like a huge weight has been taken off me."

Iradys Rivero| North Bergen, New Jersey

“At this point, Gerald, you are the only person I can trust. I appreciate all your efforts to assist me."

Deborah Dowe| Plainfield, New Jersey

“I want to thank you for helping me to get the courage to work on this problem because I didn't want to face it. Your help with the phone call to the mortgage company & other assistance was so appreciated. Thank you so much."

Evelyn Rudnicki | Rochelle Park, New Jersey

“I'm not trying to be a pain in the neck but I would like to thank you for your advice. I think things are going to work out for me. I did exactly what you told me and I think the mortgage company is going to work with me. I appreciate your advice. You are a Godsend. The world needs more people like you. Thank you and God bless you."

Jimmy Armstead | Roselle, New Jersey

“My mortgage problem is resolved. God bless you for all your help. You are a very good man, Gerald."

Virgilio Rodriguez | Paterson, New Jersey

“I followed the instructions Gerald from Performance Property gave me and I proved to my lender that I can pay back my mortgage.”

John Nikoe | Linden, New Jersey

“God bless you.”

Ravinder Thota | Jersey City, New Jersey

“My bank gave me a permanent loan modification. Thank you very much!!”

Jim Armstead | Roselle, New Jersey

“You helped me a lot more than the lawyer I hired. I should have gone to you in the first place. You were very kind. Thank you so much.”

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Amoy Frost | South Orange, New Jersey

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Dion Lowe | Rahway, New Jersey

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Amoy Frost | South Orange, NJ

“I appreciate all your help from the beginning and throughout the process. Thanks to you I was able to refinance and keep my house.”