Adam Long, president of HomeTeam Inspection Service, shares guidance to help first-time home buyers have a successful home inspection experience.
The home inspection is an important part of the home-buying process, but it can feel daunting for first-time buyers who don’t know what to expect. Learning more about the benefits of a home inspection, why you need one and what to expect from the process can alleviate the anxiety and allow for a smoother experience.
“Home inspections help buyers make an informed decision about the home they’re looking to buy by identifying existing issues and other circumstances that could impact the future safety or livability of the house,” said Adam Long, president of HomeTeam Inspection Service. “We understand that the process may seem scary or overwhelming to first-time buyers, so we use an educational, non-alarmist approach to ensure buyers feel fully supported throughout the entire process.”
What Is (And Isn’t) a Home Inspection?
A home inspection is an assessment of a home’s structure and systems. This includes things like the roof, foundation and HVAC system as well as windows, doors and appliances. The visual inspection is meant to identify issues with the home that may not stand out to the untrained eye to provide an expert opinion on the status of the home.
It’s important to note that your home inspector is not there to provide an opinion on whether you should or should not buy the home or whether the asking price is fair. This is more in line with the purpose of an appraisal. A home inspection is purely informational and focused on the safety and longevity of the home.
What Should I Do To Prepare?
Most prospective buyers choose to include a home inspection contingency in their offer. Once you’ve made the offer and the seller has accepted, it’s time to work on scheduling the inspection. Your real estate agent can likely point you toward some local home inspectors that they have worked with previously, and this gives you a good jumping-off point.
“Most home inspectors build relationships with local real estate teams because of the nature of the job,” said Long. “Your agent can offer their recommendations, but it’s important that you do some additional research to ensure that the team you choose aligns with your needs and preferences.”
Once you’ve chosen your inspector, it’s important to schedule as soon as possible, but make sure that you choose a time that works for both you and your agent.
“It’s important to schedule the inspection as soon as possible to ensure you have time to negotiate repairs or the price of the home,” said Long. “The HomeTeam model encourages efficiency, and we’re generally able to schedule an inspection within 48 hours — sometimes even next-day inspections.”
What Should I Expect on the Day of the Inspection?
Typically, you and your agent will meet the home inspector at the property on the day of the inspection. Home inspectors tend to prefer that the homeowner be present for the inspection, but it’s important to listen to your inspector’s guidance about asking questions throughout the process.
You should expect a short debrief once the inspection is complete. This is a chance for the inspector to communicate the high points of the findings and for you to ask any top-of-mind questions before you receive the finalized report.
What Is Included in the Home Inspection Report?
“A home inspection report may seem like a lot to take in, but if you understand how to read it and what you need to look for, you can quickly find the information you need to make an informed decision,” Long said. “At HomeTeam, our inspectors use a tablet throughout the inspection, so the report can be delivered digitally with a quick turnaround and in an easy-to-access format. Even after the report is delivered, many inspectors are more than happy to provide additional context to you or your real estate agent.”
The home inspection report includes a few key sections: information about the home itself, an assessment of major systems and components, photos of any specific problems and a summary of the inspection.
Inspectors tend to focus on the following items or areas:
- Foundation
- Floors
- Walls
- Ceilings
- Attic
- Roof
- Windows
- Doors
- Appliances
- HVAC systems
- Plumbing systems
- Electrical systems
What Happens After the Home Inspection Is Complete?
On the day of the inspection, the home inspector will be able to give you and your real estate agent a brief overview of their findings, but this isn’t necessarily the end of the process. Inspectors should provide a full report later on, and many inspectors make themselves available to answer clarifying questions as you work through the inspection report.
Most importantly, after the inspection is done, you need to carefully review the report and decide on any steps that need to be taken. Usually there’s a home inspection contingency in your offer, so this is the time to review anything the home inspector called out and decide whether you will seek repairs before purchase or want to negotiate a reduced purchase price.
“A home inspector is there to support you through the process and make your home-buying experience as positive as possible,” Long said. “By identifying the right team for you and remaining engaged throughout the process, you can ensure that you feel fully informed and confident to make your purchase decision.”
