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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By Louisiana REALTORS® • October 3, 2025
Eric B. Landry, JD and Kristin E. Oglesby, JD Breazeale, Sachse & Wilson, LLP 301 Main Street, Suite 2300 Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70801 The following is a summary of the questions and answers from the 2024 Hotline. The Louisiana REALTORS® maintains a hotline for their Brokers to answer questions affecting the real estate industry as a whole. The hotline does not provide legal advice but provides general information. It is important to note that the laws and court decisions affecting these responses to these questions may change as new laws are passed and new court decisions are published. We cannot comment on or provide advice with respect to specific transactions. These responses are for general information only. Note that some of the responses provided herein were generated prior to the National Association of Realtors (“NAR”) Settlement going into effect. That is, on August 17, 2024, several practice changes affecting compensation and communication in residential real estate transactions went into effect. Please click on the link below to access a fully-indexed summary of the questions and answers from the 2024 hotline.
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