Buying a House 101: Understanding the Home Inspection Process

One of the most important parts of buying a home in Texas is the inspection process. At The Alexander Home Team, we spend a lot of time educating buyers on what inspections are, what they are not, and how to properly review an inspection report.

When a buyer goes under contract on a home, they typically receive an “Option Period,” which is usually the first 5 to 10 days of the contract. During this time, buyers have the right to inspect the property and negotiate repairs if needed.

One important thing to remember is that no house is perfect, not even new construction homes. Inspection reports can sometimes feel overwhelming because inspectors are trained to document almost everything they see.

Here are a few key things buyers should understand:

1. Home inspectors cannot see inside the walls. They inspect what is visually accessible at the time of the inspection.

2. Some items listed in the report are compliance or maintenance recommendations, not major defects.

3. At The Alexander Home Team, we encourage buyers to focus on three important questions when reviewing an inspection report:
   • Is it a safety issue?
   • Does it require a licensed professional to repair?
   • Is it a deal breaker?

Keeping emotions out of the inspection process is extremely important. The goal is to identify major concerns, not panic over every loose doorknob or small cosmetic issue.

Buyers often ask what additional inspections they can order during the Option Period. Common inspections include:

• General Home Inspection: Approximately $500
• Septic Inspection: Approximately $325
• Foundation Evaluation: Often free to $125
• Roof Inspection: Many roofing companies provide free evaluations

One specialized inspection that usually requires seller permission is a Hydrostatic Pressure Test performed by a licensed plumber. This test checks for possible plumbing leaks under the foundation.

The inspection process is not about finding the “perfect” house. It is about understanding the condition of the home so buyers can make informed decisions and protect their investment.

Brad & Stephanie Alexander
The Alexander Home Team – Keller Williams

Brad - 512-296-6817        Stephanie 512-749-5992        Office 512-361-1568

bradalexander@kw.com     salexander@kw.com           

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