A Home Inspection is Protection!

Buying a home is likely the biggest investment you'll ever make, and a home inspection is the ultimate "look under the hood" before you sign on the dotted line. While it might feel like just another fee in a mountain of closing costs, a professional inspection is actually your best defense against future financial headaches. Here are the primary benefits of having a professional home inspection:

1. It Provides an "Out" Most real estate contracts include an inspection contingency. If the inspector finds major structural issues, mold, or outdated wiring, you can use those findings to walk away from the deal with your earnest money intact. It’s your safety net.

2. Powerful Negotiating Leverage If the bones of the house are good but the roof is aging or the HVAC is on its last legs, you have data to back up a lower offer. You can ask the seller to fix the issues before closing or request a "seller credit" to cover the costs of future repairs yourself.

3. Identifying Safety Issues Some problems aren't just expensive—they’re dangerous. Inspectors check for: Radon gas: An odorless, invisible health hazard. Carbon monoxide: Faulty venting in furnaces or water heaters. Electrical hazards: Outdated panels or DIY wiring that could cause fires.

4. Estimating Future Costs A home inspection report is essentially a maintenance roadmap. It tells you exactly how old the major systems are. Knowing the water heater has about two years left allows you to budget for a replacement now, rather than being surprised by a cold shower and a flooded basement later.

5. Peace of Mind There is an incredible psychological benefit to knowing exactly what you are buying. Instead of wondering if that crack in the drywall is a settling house or a crumbling foundation, you’ll have a professional's perspective. You can move into your new home with confidence rather than anxiety. The Bottom Line Skipping a home inspection to save a few hundred dollars is a gamble where the stakes are tens of thousands of dollars. Whether the house is 100 years old or brand new, an inspection ensures that your "dream home" doesn't turn into a money pit. 

After your repairs are completed it's a good idea to complete a final walk through with your initial home inspector!

A final walkthrough isn't a second inspection; it’s your chance to ensure the home is in the same condition as when you agreed to buy it and that all requested repairs were completed. Here are some of the items that could have needed repair and should be re-inspected:

Exterior & Perimeter

• Debris Removal: Confirm the yard, garage, and crawlspace are clear of the seller's trash or unwanted items.
• Landscaping: Check that no new damage has occurred to the siding, windows, or fences.
• Gate/Garage Ops: Open and close all gates and use the remote to test the garage door.

Interior Systems

• The "Quick Heat/Cool": Turn on the HVAC to ensure the furnace or AC is blowing at the correct temperature.
• Light Switches: Flip every switch to ensure bulbs aren't burnt out and fixtures work.
• Appliances: Run a quick cycle on the dishwasher, turn on all stove burners, and check that the refrigerator/freezer is cold.

Plumbing & Water

• The Flush Test: Flush every toilet to check for leaks at the base or clogs.
• Faucets & Drains: Run hot and cold water in every sink and tub; check underneath the cabinets for new moisture or leaks.
• Water Heater: Ensure there is hot water at the tap.

Structure & Cosmetics

• Windows & Doors: Open and close them to ensure they lock and haven't become stuck or misaligned.
• Walls & Floors: Look behind where the seller’s furniture used to be for "hidden" holes, stains, or damage.
• Ceilings: Check for new water spots that might indicate a recent roof leak.

Final Verification

• Repair Receipts: If the seller agreed to fix items from the inspection, confirm you have the invoices and warranties for that work.
• Included Items: Ensure the "inclusions" (like the washer/dryer, curtains, or specific light fixtures) are still in the house.

Lisa Hinkle, Realtor MORE REALTY 9792 SW Nimbus, Beaverton, OR 97008 (503) 317-5172