We're buying a home in Chestnut Hill/Mt. Airy and are looking for a reputable home inspector, and someone to appraise the house, especially people who have done lots of work in the neighborhood. Any recommendations? For inspectors, our realtor suggested Christian Radomicki of Titan Home Inspection or Michael McKinney of Save Haven Home inspections--anyone know these guys?

Any recs would be awesome. Thanks so much. I'm cross-posting this on the askaphillyfriend board, so apologies if you come across it twice.

Your bank will choose the appraiser.

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Resident of Fishtown, Moderator of Fish/No. Libs/Kenzo forum, Real Estate Agent-Prudential Fox & Roach

We used Nick Ostrowski of Strong Foundations Home Inspections (you can google it) and thought he was excellent. He was very professional, reliable and did a very thorough job. My husband and I have no hesitations about recommending him. Good luck!

I was very happy with USInspect.com. Very thorough and helpful. I think he got everything.

I saw a Pillar-to-Post report that was just plain silly.

I also used U.S. Inspect and felt like I had a good experience. My inspector was extremely thorough and noticed everything. Although I would say that you should probably take their estimated repair costs and add 15-20%.

Just used Christain last week. This is my 3rd home he has inspected and i love him, Would not think of using anyone else, he is the best.

Thanks all. Sorry about the appraisal question--I belatedly realized that made no sense to ask.

If anyone else has recommendations, or experience with Mike McKinney or Christian, I'd love to hear about it. Thanks!

We used Christian for a place we almost bought back in 2005 in NL- That is until he found termite infestation and foundation damage that made us change our minds about the place. My thought is that an inspector that is recommended by an agent who can shoot straight enough to let you make an objective decision about buying the place or not is a good inspector.

Inspections Unlimited were incredible.

http://www.inspections-unlimited.com/index.html

The inspection was thorough to say the least, 2 hours long, without any major issues with the home. They produced a 50 plus page report on every aspect of the home, which is now the guidebook for our minor home upgrades.

While this statement is taken as true and a given, everything involved in a real estate transaction is negotiable, including whom your lender selects for an appraisal. Your lender will have a list of approved appraisers that they use, which is usually quite extensive. While it is true the appraiser works for the lenders interest, not neccessarily yours, you can ask your mortgage person to review the list of appraisers they use, and then request they use one to your liking. I would always recommend using an appraiser who has extensive experience in your sub-market (MA or Chestnut Hill for example) and for your type of home. There are some excellent local appraisal firms who would be excellent choices.

I wouldn't want an appraiser who lives in Doylestown and mostly works in lower Bucks for example to do my appraisal if I could choose a more local appraiser.

Don't just let your lender and realtor tell you who to use; ask for list of professionals they recomend, but make it clear you will make those decisions. Much of the mortgage debacle we see in most of the country is partially due to buyers and sellers not taking more control of their transactions from realtors and appraisers, who have alot less required education and training then your local mechanic, baker or butcher. You need to advocate for yourself, and vett very carefully the information they provide you.