If you are asking yourself if you should get a home inspection before buying the Del Mar real estate you are looking at the answer is a definite - Yes. If you're going to spend hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars to by your dream home in Del Mar, you should spend the $250-$500 for a licensed professional to conduct a thorough inspection of the property. Most buyers will make their purchase offer contingent on the home inspection report. In the event that the home inspector finds any significant problems, you can either re-negotiate your offer price or request the seller make certain repairs before closing. Even if you intend to buy a home "as is" the home inspection may help you prepare for the additional expense of repairs. So what can you expect from a home inspector and the inspection? Each state has their own requirements for licensing a home inspector and unfortunately there is no infallible way to select a good inspector. The best way to find a good inspector is to ask your realtor since they have worked personally with local inspectors. But in almost all cases, you won't know if you have chosen your inspector well until you see him (or her) in action. In observing your inspector work you should see a painstaking, thorough inspection of the property. Typically an inspector will have the following tools and supplies with him:

1. Flashlight

2. Outlet tester or volt meter

3. Screwdriver (to look behind a sampling of switch or outlet covers)

4. Thermometer (to check air-conditioner register temperature)

5. Step ladder for interior

6. Extension ladder for exterior

7. Knee pads (for crawl space inspection)

You don't have to follow the inspector around, but you should be aware of what he's doing and how long he's spending in each area of the house. He should test all appliances that convey with the house, cycling the dishwasher, oven, stove burners, disposer and so forth.  Your inspector should move methodically through the house, open and close every single window and door, check every single electrical switch, outlet and plumbing fixture, and inspect every closet and cabinet. The inspection should also check other major systems— such as water heater, heating system, air conditioner, and attic ventilation.  Outside the inspection should cover the condition of brick and siding, paint, storm windows, caulk and sealant, soffits and gutters, hose faucets, etc, as well as roof shingles and flashing. The importance of the inspection is to locate any major structural problems or history of water damage.  If your inspector just pokes a flashlight into the attic or spends half a minute in the crawl space, you are not getting your money's worth and you should specifically request that he look for any potential problems in the far corners of the crawl space.