15 THINGS YOUR HOME INSPECTOR WISH YOU KNEW
- Market Realities: In a seller’s market, sellers might not agree to fix everything. Be ready to negotiate accordingly.
- Understanding the Report: Take the time to read and understand your inspection report thoroughly. It’s your roadmap for understanding your new home.
- No Decision-Making: Your inspector won’t tell you whether to buy the home or not. They’re there to provide information.
- Your Repair Choices: You get to decide which repairs to ask the seller for based on the inspection results, not just what your agent suggests.
- Fixing Things: With time and money, almost anything in a house can be fixed.
- No Perfect Homes: Every home has quirks. Don’t let small issues scare you off.
- What They Can See: Inspectors can’t see through walls or predict the future, so they focus on what’s visible.
- Respect the Process: Let your inspector concentrate during the inspection. Save questions for the end to get the most out of their expertise.
- Keep Distractions Away: It’s best if family members don’t tag along and ask questions during the inspection. This helps the inspector stay focused.
- Purpose of Inspection: It’s not about passing or failing; it’s about understanding the home’s condition and what you might need to budget for.
- Not Catching Everything: Inspectors can’t catch every possible issue. Some things might only become apparent later.
- Post-Move-In Realities: Expect that things might need fixing once you’ve settled in. Inspectors can’t predict everything.
- Inspection Scope: Inspectors only check what’s visible and accessible. They won’t move furniture or boxes.
- General Knowledge: Inspectors know a lot about homes but may not be specialists in every area. For detailed advice, consult a specialist.
- Understanding the Big Picture: A home inspection gives you a snapshot of the home’s condition at one point in time. Use it to negotiate and plan for future maintenance.
Understanding these points will help you approach your home inspection with confidence and make informed decisions about your new home.
