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What to Expect - When You're Inspecting

By
Home Inspector with US Inspect

Buying a home is exhilarating. It is not only a time of excitement and joy, but also a time for making decisions and to-do lists. The home inspection is a very important step in that process, but for some it can be a bit scary. Really us? No! Please don't be scared of little ol' me :)

 

Here are some facts to combat your fears!

 

The Fear: Home inspections are just plain scary.

The Fact: OK, they are only scary if you let inspection myths control your experience. The truth is, we aren't scary people and we are here to educate, not get you shaking in your boots. What makes home inspections scary for some people, is actually past experiences, disappointments or just plain nerves. The good news is that most of that can be helped by just choosing the right inspector. The rest can be helped by acknowledging the concerns you may have. If it's your first home, it's OK to be nervous, if you've had past inspections not go as you liked, it's also OK to say hey, this is a different house and a different inspection—everything is gonna be okay

 

The Fear: Maybe this house is more work than I thought.

The Fact: You might see the house differently on inspection day, then you ever have before. The home inspection is often the first time you will look at the house more “analytically” instead of “emotionally.” It can be difficult if you are not prepared for the step-by-step evaluation of the house. But if you are prepared for the slight change of perspective that the home inspection may bring, the process becomes much easier.

 

The Fear: The house is not perfect anymore.

The Fact: Ok, but rest assured, there is no such thing as a perfect house. Prepare for the fact that some defects may be found in the house, but keep in mind that every house—even a new house—has some. The inspection report and the inspector will help distinguish between big problems and small ones. Ask questions during the inspection. Think about your concerns and needs prior to that day and make sure you get the answers you require.

 

The Fear: The house is great, but the report still mentions a lot about required maintenance.

The Fact: Buying a home is similar to buying a pre-owned car. One must always expect maintenance and some unexpected repairs. No inspection can completely eliminate all risks, and all homes require maintenance, repair, and care. It is important to be comfortable with this concept prior to the inspection experience—especially those who have never owned a home before.

 

The Fear: For what they are asking for this house, it should have been flawless!

The Fact: Unfortunately, home price and home condition do not go hand-in-hand. Price has much more to do with location and the market conditions than anything else. After all, even million-dollar homes have defects. So no matter what the purchase price, avoid falling into the trap of expecting a flawless house.

 

Posted By: US INPSECT BLOG 

Show All Comments Sort:
Chrissi Chapman Topoleski
Coldwell Banker Realty - Woodbridge, VA
Helping agents live an exceptional life!

This is great information for home buyers! Home inspections are so important so they have all the facts and can make an informed decision about the house they want. Love your title.

Sep 08, 2016 01:41 AM
Chrissy Doremus ~ US Inspect ~
US Inspect - Chantilly, VA
Residential Property Inspections

Mind? Karen Hellier are you kidding LOL :) Please do! And pop over to my group Breath Easy! For lots more sharable content.

(And thank you for saying that I don't look scary) :)

Sep 08, 2016 01:50 AM
Sybil Campbell
Fernandina Beach, FL
Referral Agent Amelia Island Florida

Hi Chrissy Doremus ~ US Inspect ~, Congrats on the re-blog. As REALTORS we need great home inspectors.

Sep 08, 2016 07:16 AM
Lou Ludwig
Ludwig & Associates - Boca Raton, FL
Designations Earned CRB, CRS, CIPS, GRI, SRES, TRC

Chrissy

Very informative post on the home inspection process.

Good luck and success.

Lou Ludwig

Sep 08, 2016 11:03 AM
Lou Ludwig
Ludwig & Associates - Boca Raton, FL
Designations Earned CRB, CRS, CIPS, GRI, SRES, TRC

Chrissy

Congratulations on the feature for an outstanding post.

Good luck and success.

Lou Ludwig

Sep 08, 2016 11:04 AM
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Burlington, MA
Metro Boston Homes For Sale

Chrissy Doremus ~ US Inspect ~ - indeed there is no such home as perfect home! Inspection just reveals some of the fears, isn't it?

Sep 08, 2016 02:58 PM
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Thank you or the post. I will bookmark this and share with my clients.

Sep 08, 2016 09:14 PM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

Yes, this is a wonderful post for buyers. There really isn't a "perfect" home with no flaws; they will all need some sort of maintenance. An inspector is there to point out all the issues so the buyer knows what they are purchasing and can make appropriate decisions going forward.

Sep 08, 2016 11:47 PM
David Alan Baker | Laveen & South Phoenix Realtor
Keller Williams Realty Phoenix - Laveen, AZ
Your local Expert

Even new homes have issues, but buyers should always have the inspection, to make sure they are ok with condition.

Sep 09, 2016 02:34 AM
Jody Wall
BANCROFT REALTY LLC - Grand Prairie, TX
jodywallrealtor.com

The best inspection money I ever personally paid was on new construction of one of the most reputable builders in town.  The house had a hole in the roof decking that was shingled over when the firepace was moved.  The tankless heater did not have the correct sealing for fire rating.  The sauna was not connected.  An electrical outlet was dead.  The sewer pipe to the street had debris that would cause a blockage.  The selling agent was shocked.

Sep 09, 2016 08:02 AM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

Chrissy, When I first read that title line, I thought it said, "What to expect when you're expecting."  I thought you were sharing some good news!

Sep 09, 2016 11:14 AM
Richard jhonson
kgn - Ocean Beach, CA
i am real estate agent

Thanks Chrisssy

Thanks for your tips and advise

Vintage Leather Bags

Sep 09, 2016 03:35 PM
Rob Ernst
Certified Structure Inspector - Reno, NV
Reno, NV-775-410-4286 Inspector & Energy Auditor

The scary Home Inspector line made me laugh. I think your right on with this post. Often times the inspector is the last hurdle for the buyers to mentally get over. So close to the finish and then they get the report. By now their hearts are into the home and a large list of repairs can dampen spirits. You hit the mark for sure about price and condition, I sometimes think no one looked at the house before pricing it.

Sep 09, 2016 11:38 PM
Harry F. D'Elia III
WEDO Real Estate and Beyond, LLC - Phoenix, AZ
Investor , Mentor, GRI, Radio, CIPS, REOs, ABR

Congratulations on your featured article. Looking forward to the next one.

Sep 10, 2016 01:18 AM
Sham Reddy CRS
Howard Hanna RE Services, Dayton, OH - Dayton, OH
CRS

Great advice!!!

Unfortunately, home price and home condition do not go hand-in-hand. Price has much more to do with location and the market conditions than anything else. After all, even million-dollar homes have defects. So no matter what the purchase price, avoid falling into the trap of expecting a flawless house.

Sep 10, 2016 05:04 AM
Chrissy Doremus ~ US Inspect ~
US Inspect - Chantilly, VA
Residential Property Inspections

Thanks! Sham Reddy...boy I feel famous now - you're quoting me ;-)

Sep 10, 2016 05:17 AM
Michael Elliott
Fathom Realty - Burlington Township, NJ
Burlington, New Jersey Residential Sales

There are so many great points here.  Imo, they all look scary if the buyer is not there and only reads the report. 

Jun 15, 2024 07:03 AM