It's very scary buying a home. I get it. I have done it. Several times as a matter of fact. There are a lot emotions running around. You have been worrying about whether I can afford a home. Is this the home I want. You have probably seen several homes, maybe had a few of them slip away to higher bidders. But now, you got one under contract. Congratulations!
Your Realtor said you need a home inspector and gave you a couple of names. Before you start shopping for the "cheapest" inspector, ask yourself what you are actually calling for in the first place. You are about to make the single largest purchase you have any made in your life - do you really want a cheap inspection. Here is something that you might not have considered. An inspection is an investment, NOT another expense. How is it an investment? You are essentially paying for a professional inspector to inspect your home top down and inside out to try to find deficiencies that may cost you thousands to repair. So 4-5 hundred dollars "invested" could save you thousands in repair. Furthermore, it could give you a "way-out" if the home is in serious disrepair. Consider the alternate. You hire an inspector based on price, NOT qualifications and get a report. Later you find out there were several things missed that should have been caught on the inspection. Now you are repairing these items yourself. How much did that inspection actually cost you once you factor in the repairs? A quality inspection is your first line of defense against loosing a lot of money later by purchasing a home that needs a lot of repairs.
I recommend you ask the more important questions when booking your home inspection. Ask the inspector what his/her background is, did they receive professional training? Have they passed any certifications? Did they pass the National Inspector's exam? This is not an all inclusive list of qualifications, but the thing to remember is it isn't to your best interest to find the "cheapest" inspector. It IS important to find the most qualified. I wish you the best in your new home. Hope some of this helps.
