Before you jump headfirst into making a big decision like purchasing a home, make sure you're getting a fair deal by conducting a home inspection. By bringing in a professional inspector, you can get a thorough assessment of the property's condition and potential issues. You don't want to end up with a bottomless money pit, after all. So, let's explore what a home inspection is all about and what you can expect from the process. Don't overlook the importance of this step in your home-buying journey.

What is a Home Inspection?

When you're in the market to buy a new home, make sure the property you're eyeing is in tip-top shape. That's where a home inspection comes in – it's like having a superhero who does a visual analysis of the house, from the physical structure to the mechanical systems. This means that during the inspection the home inspector will look at things such as the following:

• Foundation

• Roof

• Windows

• Ceilings

• Doors

• Electrical system

• Furnace

• Air conditioning

• Major appliances

• Plumbing

Don't worry, the inspector won't judge the home decor choices or tattered couch. Instead, they'll carefully inspect the basement, attic, and outdoor property for any red flags. However, remember that they're only there to report any issues they find – they won't force you to buy or avoid a house. So, let's get started on this exciting adventure of finding your dream home.

How Much Does a Home Inspection Cost?

As someone who has been in the industry for a while, let me tell you that a home inspection is not cheap. It usually falls within the $300-$500 range, and can be more or less depending on your local market, so you've got to have those funds at the ready to pay the home inspector on the spot. No financing here, folks.

Because you're spending a pretty penny on this service, you definitely want the best bang for your buck. Don't risk it with just any Joe Schmo. Choose someone who knows their stuff and can provide you with a detailed report. And, hey, don't be shy about tagging along. It's your investment, after all.

When Does a Home Inspection Take Place?

Don't waste your hard-earned cash on a home inspection for every property you're remotely interested in. Instead, hold off until your offer has been accepted by the seller. Then, it's time to get down to business. Schedule that home inspection right away, and give yourself a solid week to ten days to get the results. That way, if the inspection doesn't meet your expectations, you can go back to the drawing board or haggle with the seller. Trust me, it's worth the wait.

How to Hire a Home Inspector

As you prepare to purchase your dream home, don't forget that hiring a home inspector is key to mitigating any potential issues that may arise. Even if the seller has already conducted an inspection, it's imperative that you take the reins by hiring your own inspector. Unfortunately, the home inspection industry isn't federally regulated, and not all states require licensing. But fear not. Seek referrals from friends and family or explore professional associations like the American Society of Home Inspectors. Remember, by taking the extra steps to ensure your inspector is reputable, you're protecting your investment and peace of mind. Take charge and hire a reliable inspector today.

How Does a Home Inspection Work?

As a savvy homebuyer, you know that hiring a top-notch home inspector is key to protecting your purchase. And once you've found the right one, they'll diligently comb through the seller's property disclosure statement – a mandatory document that lists all the potential issues of your dream home. This can include things such as:

• The presence of mold

• An infestation of pests

• A leaky roof

• Damage to the foundation

Each state may have their own requirements of what is to be included in the disclosure statement.

The home inspection itself can take a few hours to complete. During the inspection, the home inspector should do three things:

• Identify any problems with the house or property that are visible to them

• Suggest potential fixes to these issues

• Prepare a report (including photos) that outlines the issues they have found 

This report is a homebuyer's holy grail. It's packed with essential information that you and your agent can use to haggle with sellers. You can then negotiate with them about making repairs or dropping the asking price to match the severity of the issues. But keep in mind that not everything will be scrutinized. Without being asked, the inspector probably won't look at, and may not be qualified to look at, wells, septic systems, pools, chimneys, or the ground beneath the house. They'll check the basics and move on. So, if you're all about cozying up to a crackling fire, make sure the inspector checks the dampers for any chimney obstruction.

Do You Need a Home Inspection? (Yes)

As you embark on the exciting adventure of finding your dream home, don't overlook the importance of a home inspection to protect you. You don't want to end up with costly and time-consuming fixes after you've already closed the deal. Now, I'm not saying your perfect home doesn't exist, but even the most ideal properties may have some skeletons in the closet. That's why it's crucial to have a professional inspector on your team to catch any major issues that lie beneath the surface. Trust me, you don't want to gamble on this – it's all about peace of mind and knowing you're making a smart investment.

If you're ready to take the plunge and buy a home, you're going to want to make sure it's inspected properly. Don't take any chances. Reach out to one of our amazing Centex team members to guide you through the home-buying process. With years of experience under our belts, we're confident in our ability to help you find your dream home. Let's make your homeownership dreams a reality together! Explore one of our affordable new home communities today to discover stunning designs with flexible floor plans that enable you to hunt for a new home with confidence.