But, as helpful as a good real estate agent is when selecting a house, you will likely want to enlist the help of other experts before you sign on the dotted line.

Remember this adage: "You have to know what’s right to know what’s wrong." When applied to buying a house it could save your marriage, lots of money and ulcers! Your best bet is to hire someone who knows what is right.

So before you say "I do" with that special house, hire a neutral home inspector to be your trained eye.

Your inspector should be licensed, bonded, insured, and preferably part of a reliable, reputable nationwide association. Ask for a client reference list and make sure to check those references.

Finally, your inspector should be very knowledgeable about our local housing "stock." After all, 47 percent of the houses in Grays Harbor are 50 years or older and many have construction details unique to this area.

The cost for an inspection vary, beginning at about $100. The price depends on things such as the size of the home, its age, the condition of the property, as well as the type of report you require.

We recommend that you, the potential buyer, be the one to select and hire your own inspectors.

Your inspector’s checklist should include the foundation, siding, roof, chimney, attics, windows, ventilation systems, heating and cooling systems, electrical system, plumbing, possible environmental hazards, and sometimes property drainage. Also, if you’re buying in a rural area, make sure to call the County Health Dept. for an important septic system inspection.

The inspector’s "Findings Report" may be oral, with you taking notes, or may be a complete written report. Written documentation can be a powerful tool when negotiating the purchase and may serve as a clear list of what needs to be done before or after closing.

In any event, it’s a good idea for you to be present during the inspection. It’s often easier to understand an issue when looking right at it, rather than just reading about it later.

As far as inspections and your dream goes, no house – especially an older one – is perfect. So, even if the inspector has concerns, it doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t buy the home.

If there are major problems, you may wish to negotiate the asking price to cover some or all of the repair costs. But remember, if you decide to buy the house, its problems become your problems.

Some home inspectors also complete a pest inspection. Others will only recommend getting one if what they observe warrants it.

Know this: A licensed, bonded, certified and insured Pest Inspector is needed to give your dream property a "Clear Pest Report." This inspection is critical and most lenders usually require it.

You are best protected when you, as the buyer, choose an inspection company and contract this service yourself. Again, they are to be your expert.

Like so many services, your best bet for finding good inspectors is by asking your friends, neighbors and co-workers about their experiences. You can also look up inspectors in the phone book and ask them to give you client references.

A pest inspection typically costs between $75 and $200.

A pest inspector’s focus is to look for past and present damage created by wood-destroying pests. Powder post beetles, termites, carpenter ants, dry rot and other fungi, to mention a few.

A good pest inspection will also identify any conditions known to create or support these problems. Poor ventilation, earth- or concrete-to-wood contact, plumbing leaks, inaccessible areas, standing water, wood scraps, even garden bark or wood piles located too near the house, can have dire consequences.

Older homes therefore, having had more time and exposure, may have more problems. But old or new, homes with good ventilation, quality construction and timely maintenance are usually problem free and the "Clear Pest Report" guarantees that for one year.

Another good place to find a professional, objective home inspection is by giving us a call. ANHS offers reasonably priced inspections as one of its many services.

As a non-profit organization, our goal is to create safe and affordable housing for all of Grays Harbor. One way we do that is to help people in the purchase of a home.

Dave Murnen is the construction department manager and Pat Beaty is a construction specialist at Aberdeen Neighborhood Housing Services. Do you have questions about home repair, remodeling, becoming a homeowner or a member of our contractor pool? Call 533-7828 or visit us at 710 E. Market St. in Aberdeen.