You found the home. You made the offer. It’s been accepted. Now it’s time for one of the most important steps in the home buying process: the home inspection.
This is your chance to learn everything you need to know about the condition of the home—before you sign on the dotted line. Here’s what a home inspection is, why it’s so important, and how to schedule it like a pro.
A home inspection is a professional, non-invasive evaluation of the home’s physical condition. It’s performed by a licensed home inspector after your offer is accepted and during your due diligence or inspection period.
The inspector examines all the major systems and components of the house, including:
Roof, attic, and visible insulation
Foundation, structure, and basement or crawl space
Heating and cooling systems (HVAC)
Plumbing and electrical systems
Windows, doors, and exterior walls
Appliances that stay with the home
The goal? To uncover any hidden issues, safety concerns, or costly repairs that may affect your purchase decision.
Think of a home inspection like having a mechanic look at a car before you buy or getting your yearly physical. It’s a way to make sure there are no major problems that need to be addressed. Some benefits include:
Peace of mind about the condition of the home
Leverage to negotiate repairs or credits
An opportunity to walk away if major issues are found (as long as you’re within your inspection contingency period)
Even in a competitive market, skipping the inspection is a risk that’s rarely worth taking.
Once your offer is accepted, you typically have 5–10 days (or whatever is outlined in your contract) to complete your home inspection. Here’s how to schedule one:
I always provide my clients with a list of trusted, licensed inspectors I’ve worked with before. You’re also welcome to choose your own.
Look for inspectors who are:
State licensed and insured
Members of professional associations (like ASHI or InterNACHI)
Experienced with your type of property (older home, new construction, etc.)
Time is limited, and inspectors can book up quickly—especially in busy markets. I’ll help you get an inspection scheduled ASAP so you stay within your contingency timeline.
It’s not required, but I strongly recommend attending the inspection. It gives you the chance to ask questions in real time and see any issues firsthand.
Your inspector will walk you through their findings, explain how things work, and point out what’s minor vs. what’s a potential red flag.
Once the inspection is complete, you’ll receive a detailed inspection report—often within 24 hours. We’ll go over it together and decide on next steps, which may include:
Asking for repairs or seller credits
Moving forward as-is if no major issues are found
Exercising your contingency to exit the contract if needed
Remember, no home is perfect—even new ones. The key is understanding what’s reasonable, what’s fixable, and what’s worth negotiating.
A home inspection is one of the most valuable tools you have as a buyer. It helps you make an informed decision, protects your investment, and gives you confidence heading into closing.
Looking for your dream home or property? Leave your details and I’ll get back to you.