How Does a Home Inspection Work?
- By Jim Blackburn
- on
- 100 first time home buyer FAQs
1. A Home Inspector Examines the Entire Property
When you’re under contract, you’ll schedule a licensed home inspector to visit the property. During the inspection, they’ll review:
Structural components like the foundation, roof, walls, attic, and basement
Systems like electrical, HVAC, and plumbing
Windows, doors, appliances, water heater, and more
It typically takes 2–3 hours, and you’re encouraged to attend so you can ask questions in real-time.
Need help finding a qualified inspector in your area? Get An Introduction to licensed home inspectors who will thoroughly evaluate the property and provide detailed reports you can trust.
2. You’ll Receive a Detailed Inspection Report
After the visit, your inspector will provide a full written report that includes:
Notes on any visible defects, damage, or code violations
Photos of issues
A breakdown of what’s urgent, what’s recommended, and what’s minor
This report helps you understand the true condition of the home—and what repairs might be coming soon.
If the inspection reveals major repairs are needed, renovation financing can help. Calculate your FHA 203K Renovation Purchase Loan Payment now to see how you can finance both the purchase and inspection-revealed repairs in a single loan.
3. You Can Use the Results to Renegotiate the Deal
A good inspection gives you leverage. Based on what’s discovered, you can:
- Request that the seller make certain repairs before closing
- Negotiate a price reduction or seller credit
- Walk away if the issues are too major (as long as you have an inspection contingency)
A home inspection isn’t just a formality—it’s a financial safety net.
Understanding negotiation leverage also means knowing property value. Get a Free Home Evaluation to see if the asking price is fair even with the inspection-revealed issues, helping you negotiate from an informed position.
For conventional renovation options, explore Fannie Mae’s HomeStyle loan. Calculate your Conventional Renovation Homestyle Purchase Loan Payment now to compare financing options for addressing inspection findings with conventional terms.
Ready to Book a Home Inspection? Let’s Make Sure You Know What to Ask
At Stairway Mortgage, we believe peace of mind is part of the price tag—and we’ll help you protect it.
📘 Download our homebuyer guides with inspection checklists.
🤝 Get An Introduction to trusted home inspectors.
🧮 Plan for repairs with our FHA 203K Calculator.
🏠 Get a Free Home Evaluation for negotiation leverage.
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