What's behind the curtain?

You’ve made an offer on a house and now it’s time for the home inspection.  You have hired a licensed inspector to carefully inspect the house and find those issues that may be a determinant in whether or not you will move forward with the sale.  You’re there and walk through the property with the inspector.  He/she points out interesting aspects of the property, things you should be aware of and potential problem areas.  His written report, which you receive a few days later, includes all that you saw during the inspection.  The closing date is scheduled.  You arrive at the now vacant house for your final walk through and - oh no!  There are things that the inspector didn’t find!  A big hole in the bedroom carpeting!  Burn holes in the bathroom linoleum!  What to do?  The lawyers agree to an adjustment at the closing and you are truly happy with your new home.  Now - what did we learn from this?  Look behind the curtain!  Lift up the area rugs!  Someone may be living there, but they’re not leaving those curtains.  Maybe it’s hiding a rotten windowsill.  Be nosy and protect yourself.  Even with a home inspector, it’s still caveat emptor - buyer beware!