Whether you're considering buying a particular home, selling your current property – or both – a home inspection can help.

A home inspection is an inspection by a qualified professional who takes a close look at every aspect of a home – structure, wiring, plumbing, and more – and identifies issues you may not have noticed yourself. For example, a home inspection can reveal that a furnace will need to be replaced soon, or that there is a water leak into the basement that needs to be fixed.

You'll definitely want to get a professional home inspection before you buy a particular property. That's why most offers to purchase a home are conditional upon passing a home inspection. (The last thing you want is to buy your dream home only to discover that the wiring needs to be updated!)

You may also want to get a home inspection on your own home before you list it for sale. A certificate from a qualified professional that states that your home passed inspection will make your property more attractive to buyers.

Many reputable home inspectors are members of a professional industry association.

In Canada:

• Canada Association of Home & Property Inspectors.
(http://www.cahpi.ca)
• Professional Home and Property Inspectors of Canada.
(http://www.phpic.ca)
• National Home Inspectors Certification Council.
(http://www.nationalhomeinspector.org)

It's important to note that certification or licensing is not a requirement in many jurisdictions. So select a home inspector carefully.

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver just released its August Stats.  Sales remain just below the 10 year average for the month of August.  Housing prices over the year remain quite stabel down just 1.3% compared to August 2012.  Since the beginning of 2013 prices have actually increased 2.3%.  This trend is expected to contunue through the last quarter of the year. 

Over the past few months I have seen more properties selling very close to and even over the asking price.  Indicating that market prices and sales are slowly improving.  Sellers should be reminded that accurately pricing your property is paramount for a quick sale at the highest price.