The Smart Way to Handle Jacksonville Home Inspections

 

Congratulations on moving forward with buying a home! One step that can feel intimidating is the home inspection. You might be asking yourself: What exactly will the inspector look for? Could it affect my offer?

Here’s the truth: a home inspection isn’t about passing or failing. It’s a tool that provides you with important information about your potential purchase. When you understand what inspections entail, the process becomes far less stressful and much more predictable.

What a home inspector looks for. Home inspectors are licensed professionals who know how to evaluate a home’s functionality. They’re not appraisers; they won’t tell you the value of your home. Instead, they make sure everything in the house works properly.

Here’s what they typically check:

• Roof. Is it in good condition? Any signs of damage?
• HVAC system. Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning functionality
• Plumbing. Pipes, water flow, leaks, and water heaters
• Electrical system. Wiring, outlets, and panels
• Doors and windows. Proper operation and sealing
• Moisture issues. Mold, leaks, or water damage
  

This is often called a four-point inspection, covering the roof, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems. But inspectors often go further, checking appliances, drainage, and sometimes even sewer lines.

They’ll also note the age of major systems, like air conditioning units or water heaters, so you know what might need to be replaced in the future.

The inspection report is your leverage. If the inspector finds something significant, like a cracked foundation or a failing roof, you have options:

• Request a credit from the seller to fix it yourself
• Ask the seller to repair before closing

In most markets, sellers are willing to fix legitimate issues rather than risk the deal falling through. This means you can buy with confidence, knowing that major systems in the home are functional and safe.

How sellers should think about inspections. Some sellers see home inspections as unnecessary or stressful. I get it, your home is fine, and emotionally, it’s hard to think about repairs. But here’s the reality: working with a buyer after an inspection is often the best way to keep the deal together.

As a seller, it’s important to understand:

• What issues are reasonable to negotiate
• Which items are minor and can be left alone
• How a good real estate agent can guide you through these decisions

Being prepared and flexible can prevent a deal from collapsing and protect your home’s market reputation.

Cost and types of home inspections. Most standard home inspections cost between $300 and $700, depending on the size of the home. In some areas, additional inspections may be needed, such as:

• A four-point inspection is required for insurance purposes.
• A wind mitigation report can help reduce insurance costs in hurricane-prone areas.

Investing in inspections is a small price to pay compared to the potential costs of major repairs, think tens of thousands of dollars for a failing foundation, roof, or plumbing system.

Don’t skip your home inspection. It can save you thousands of dollars and give you peace of mind. You’ll know exactly what you’re buying, and you’ll have tools to negotiate fairly if issues arise.

If you have any questions about home inspections, what they mean for you as a buyer, or how to use them in negotiations, reach out to me at (904) 650-3890, email Matty@PursuitRealEstate.com, or visit mattymillerrealestate.com. I’m happy to guide you through the process and help you make confident decisions every step of the way.