What Should You Expect Before, During, and After a Home Inspection?

Louisiana REALTORS • March 7, 2019

One of the most important parts of the home buying process is the inspection. You’ve finally found that perfect place. The location and the layout are everything that you’ve hoped for, but now you need to make sure there aren’t any surprises waiting for you after you leave the closing table. This is where a home inspection comes in.


What is a Home Inspection?

A home inspection is an in-the-field evaluation of a home based on the professional opinion regarding the performance and status of the home’s structures and systems. An inspection is used to identify areas that are deficient, unsafe, or in need of replacement. 


How Do You Find a Home Inspector?

As the homebuyer, it should be up to you to select the inspector. Your REALTOR® can be a valuable resource in selecting an experienced, qualified home inspector. As a knowledgeable real estate professional, REALTORS® have a vast network of connections in all facets of the real estate sector. By working first hand with certain inspectors, your REALTOR® understands their reputation, thoroughness, and expertise. 


What Happens During a Home Inspection?

Your home inspector will take a few hours to walk through the home, assessing it top to bottom. The physical structure of the home will be assessed, as well as its mechanical and electrical systems, including:

  • Roof
  • Doors
  • Windows
  • Ceilings
  • Walls
  • Floors
  • Attic
  • Plumbing
  • HVAC
  • And more


All of the observations will be noted in the inspection report, concluding with an opinion on the overall condition of the home. 


What Happens After a Home Inspection?

Once the inspection is complete you and your REALTOR® will have valuable information to make the best decision going forward. It will also make it possible for you to make the purchase contingent upon any necessary repairs, replacements, or updates being made to the home by the seller. The home inspection is a crucial part of negotiating the final sale price of the home.





Louisiana State Board of Home Inspectors - Inspect Before You Buy

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NAR is pleased to share the latest consumer guide about contract contingencies and clauses that buyers and sellers may encounter in a real estate transaction. The guide defines common contingencies and clauses and helps consumers understand what happens if the terms aren’t fulfilled. As a reminder, all guides in this series are available for download—in both English and Spanish—on facts.realtor . Please allow up to two weeks for the Spanish version of the latest resource to be translated and uploaded. For ease of reference, below is a list of the most recent guides: NEW: Real Estate Contract Contingencies Understanding Condo Ownership How to Protect Against Real Estate Wire Fraud 5 Home Selling Tips for Privacy and Safety Do You Need Private Mortgage Insurance? What Is the VA Home Loan Guaranty? Thank you for your continued engagement with the “Consumer Guide” series and for sharing the resources with prospective clients to ensure they have the information they need to find success in their homebuying or selling journey. Remember that these guides are for informational purposes only and are not meant to enact or change any existing NAR policy. Be on the lookout for the next consumer guide, which focuses on working with a remodeling contractor.
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