What Every Homebuyer Should Know About Professional Home Inspections

Once your offer on a home has been accepted, the seller must disclose any known defects. However, disclosures don’t always tell the full story, and many problems aren’t visible to an untrained eye.

A licensed home inspector provides an independent, detailed assessment of the home’s condition, helping you make confident decisions about your purchase and avoid costly surprises.

What a Home Inspection Includes

A home inspection evaluates the overall condition of the property, including major systems, structural components, health and safety concerns, needed repairs and potential replacements.

Timing Your Inspection

Home inspections should be scheduled as soon as your offer is accepted, especially when your purchase contract includes an inspection contingency. Early scheduling gives you time to review the report, negotiate repairs and make decisions before your closing deadline.

GOOD TO KNOW
Seller disclosures don’t replace a home inspection. Sellers are only required to disclose issues they are aware of. A professional inspection provides unbiased protection.

New Construction

You should never skip an inspection, even if you’re buying new construction. New homes can still have hidden defects due to the number of contractors involved in the build.

As thorough as a building inspector may be, there are factors beyond their control that prevent building inspections from being as detailed as you may need. A pre-purchase home inspection and a follow-up inspection near the end of the builder’s warranty ensures any issues can be addressed while coverage is still active.

Your real estate agent will help coordinate the inspection and guide you through next steps.

Learn more by taking our free homebuyer education class!