Homebuyer Inspection Process: What Every Buyer Needs to Know

When you’re buying a home, finding the perfect property and getting it at the right price is only part of the journey. One of the most critical steps in the home-buying process is the home inspection. This phase can save you from potential headaches and ensure that your dream home doesn’t come with hidden surprises. This post shares the homebuyer inspection process, so you can proceed with confidence.

What Is a Home Inspection?

A home inspection is akin to taking a used car to a mechanic before purchase. It’s your opportunity to perform due diligence on the property, uncovering any issues that may not be visible to the untrained eye. This step is crucial, especially if you want to avoid unexpected repair costs after you move in.

How the Home Inspection Process Works

Typically, the homebuyer?inspection process unfolds after you are “under contract,” meaning the seller has accepted your offer. Here’s how it usually works, keeping in mind that if the house has multiple offers, the timeline or flexibility might be limited:

1. Pre-Inspection Walkthrough: Before hiring an inspector, I recommend walking the property again, if time permits. Bring along a friend or family member with construction experience for an extra set of eyes. This can help you determine if you still want to proceed with a professional inspection or if you had “rose-colored glasses” during the initial viewing.
2. Hiring the Inspector: I’ll schedule the inspection for you. I work with experienced, licensed inspectors who have seen countless homes. Their expertise ensures that you receive a thorough inspection report that’s easy to understand, thanks to their use of advanced reporting software.
3. What the Inspection Covers: A general home inspection examines all visible aspects of the property and more. Inspectors use specialized tools to check for faulty wiring, measure air conditioner output, inspect the attic, roof, electrical panels, and more. While they can’t see everything, their evaluation is far more detailed than what a buyer can do on their own.
4. Inspection Day: Typically, the inspector arrives 2-3 hours before us to begin their work undisturbed. After their initial inspection, we join them to review the findings. This is your chance to ask questions and understand any potential issues with the property.

Understanding Inspection Results

After the inspection, the inspector will provide an overview of the most critical findings. It’s important to note that not all code violations require immediate repair. Some issues are simply a reflection of changes in building standards over the years.

Inspectors I recommend often give practical advice on how to handle minor issues yourself, which can be incredibly valuable. After the review, you’ll receive a detailed, color-coded report that outlines all the non-cosmetic issues found during the inspection, complete with photos and descriptions.

Options After the Inspection

Once you’ve reviewed the inspection report, you have several options:

1. Proceed Without Requests: If the house is in great shape, you may decide no further action is needed, and you can move forward with the purchase.
2. Request Further Inspections: If something significant is uncovered, such as a potential roof or foundation issue, you may want to bring in specialists for a more in-depth analysis.
3. Renegotiate with the Seller: You can request that the seller address certain issues before closing or negotiate for a price reduction to cover the cost of repairs. You will make a formal, written request using a form called the BINSR as a part of this negotiation.
4. Cancel the Contract: If the issues are too significant, you have the right to cancel the contract and get your earnest money back, provided you do so within the agreed inspection period.

Additional Inspections May be Necessary

If the home is older or shows signs of wear, additional inspections may be necessary. For instance:

• Sewer Scope Inspection: Older homes may have outdated sewer lines that can cause significant issues. A sewer scope inspection uses a camera to check for defects in the pipes, especially in homes built before 1980.
• Roof Inspection: If the roof is composed of shingles and appears shiny, it may indicate that the protective granules are wearing off, a sign that the roof is nearing the end of its life.

Making the Final Decision

If the inspection reveals deal-breaker issues, you might decide that the property isn’t worth the hassle. The good news is that your contract typically protects you, allowing you to get your earnest money back if you cancel within the inspection period.

It’s important to remember that no home is perfect. Even new constructions can have flaws. The homebuyer inspection process is essentially risk-free, giving you peace of mind that you’re making an informed decision.

Why Choose Me as Your Realtor?

As your Realtor, my goal is to act in your best interest, saving you time and money throughout the home-buying process. While I’m not an inspector, I have a keen eye for potential issues, thanks to my family’s background in construction and remodeling. I’ll walk through properties with you, pointing out the good, the bad, and the ugly, so you can make a confident offer.

I hope this overview of the home inspection process has been helpful! If you’re ready to start your home search or need expert guidance, give me a call or text at 480-639-9640. Let’s find your dream home together!