What's a home inspection?
Buyers Answers

A home inspection is when a paid professional inspector -- often a contractor or an engineer -- inspects the home, searching for defects or other problems that might plague the owner later on. They usually represent the buyer and are paid by the buyer. The inspection usually takes place early in escrow after a purchase contract between a buyer and a seller has been signed. Monty makes a point of attending all home inspections in order to stay ahead of any issues during escrow.

While a home inspection is not mandatory, it is highly advisable to obtain one.  Consider it an added insurance policy.  The cost is normally between $350 and $450.  Many times, this expense is offset because the inspector usually identifies a laundry-list of minor problems which the seller often agrees to repair.