Home Inspection: What to Expect When Buying Your First Home

Are you buying your first home? If so, don't skip out on your opportunity to have a home inspection done before you close. By having a better understanding of what home inspections are and what they entail, you can protect yourself as a first-time homebuyer.

What Does a Home Inspection Entail?

A home inspection involves hiring a professional to come out to a home that you are purchasing. The inspector will take a thorough look at the home inside and out, making note of any maintenance or structural issues that they may notice. For example, a home inspector may notice an uneven step on the front porch of a property that may pose a tripping hazard. This, and all other issues, will be noted in a formal report that is given to the homebuyer once the inspection is completed.

Some common areas of a home that an inspection covers may include:

• exterior siding
• HVAC systems
• roofing
• plumbing
• windows and doors

Typically, a home inspection will not cover pest damage or radon testing unless these services are purchased separately.

Why Have a Home Inspection?

A home inspection can alert you to potential problems that you otherwise may have overlooked. These issues may affect your decision to move forward with the purchase. Even if a home inspection comes up clean, it gives you added peace of mind before closing.

If you're taking out a mortgage to pay for your home, there's a very good chance that your lender will also require a home inspection as a stipulation of your purchase.

What to Do With Your Home Inspection Report

If you choose to attend your home inspection, your inspector should verbally communicate their findings to you at the time of the appointment. From there, you should also receive a written report with more detailed findings. If there are any major issues with the home, it is not uncommon to renegotiate with the sellers before closing. For example, you could ask the sellers to remediate mold damage found in the attic or provide a credit to have this done at closing.

A home inspection can provide you with valuable information before you buy a home, so don't pass up your chance to schedule one.