Finding a good Home Inspector is a little like finding a good Buyers Rep.  There are lots to choose from, but Buyers would be better off working with someone that has made a committment to meet the professional requirements of the American Society Of Home Inspectors (ASHI).  This certification is only awarded to Inspectors that have completed stringent qualification requirements.  Joining ASHI gives the home inspector the right to use the logo and to present themselves as ASHI Certified Home Inspectors by meeting the four criteria:

1) Industry Knowledge - Members must pass a national home inspectors exam, administered by the Examination Board of Professional Home Inspections, an independent orginization that administers licensing requirements in 19 states.

2) Ethics And Standards - Members must also complete the ASHI Standards of Practice and Code Of Ethics education module.

3) Experience - Before attaining full membership inspectors must perform 250 property examinations

4) Continuing Education - All ASHI members must stay current on various topics by completeing 20 hours of Continuing Education credits each year.

The easiest way to start your search for a qualified home inspector in your area is to use the online directory at www.ASHI.org.  There you will be able to review candidates websites and examine sample reports, to gain a better idea of what their reports will include, their writing style, and how they describe the property defects.  It's good to get a handle on this before you hire them and before the day of the inspection as you will be nervous enough.  Also make sure the inspector is trained in residential inspection you may even want to check references if not referred by a reputable source.