Tag: home inspection

12 Questions to Ask a Home Inspector Before, During, and After a Home Inspection 

Posted on by First Western Trust Bank

If you’re buying or selling a home, the home inspection is a critical step toward understanding the property’s condition. The questions you ask—and when you ask them—can greatly impact how much insight you gain and how confidently you proceed. To help you navigate this important process, here are 12 essential questions to ask your home inspector before, during, and after the inspection, along with why they matter and the benefits they offer. 

Before the Inspection: Finding the Right Inspector and Setting Expectations 

Choosing the right home inspector and setting clear expectations can save you time, money, and stress later. These questions help you evaluate the inspector’s experience, thoroughness, and transparency: 

1. What exactly will you inspect? 
Knowing what areas and systems the inspector will review helps you understand the scope of the inspection. A detailed inspection covering major components—roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical, HVAC—ensures that no critical issues go unnoticed. Asking this question prepares you for what to expect and helps avoid surprises. 

Why Ask: You’ll gain confidence that your investment will be properly evaluated, giving you peace of mind about the home’s condition. 

2. What is NOT included in the inspection? 
Every inspection has limits. Inspectors generally perform visual, non-invasive checks and cannot open walls or conduct specialized testing. Understanding these boundaries lets you anticipate when additional expert inspections (roofers, electricians, plumbers) may be necessary. 

Why Ask: This helps you budget for potential extra inspections and prevents unrealistic expectations about what the home inspector can provide. 

3. How long have you been doing inspections and how many have you completed? 
Experience often translates into a more skilled and thorough inspection. Inspectors who have worked on many homes, especially those similar to the one you’re considering, will be better equipped to spot hidden problems and provide reliable advice. 

Why Ask: You reduce the risk of missing important issues and increase the likelihood of receiving a detailed, accurate report. 

4. Can I accompany you during the inspection? 
Being present during the inspection lets you see firsthand what the inspector finds and provides an opportunity to ask questions in real time. This interactive process enhances your understanding and allows you to clarify concerns on the spot. 

Why Ask: You’ll gain valuable knowledge about your potential home and avoid confusion or surprises when reviewing the written report later. 

5. Can you provide a sample inspection report? 
Reviewing a sample report ahead of time helps you understand the level of detail and the format you’ll receive. Some reports are straightforward, while others include photos, diagrams, and recommendations. 

Why Ask: Knowing what to expect from the report helps you prepare for interpreting the findings and facilitates clearer communication with your inspector. 

During the Inspection: Observing and Asking Clarifying Questions 

Attending the inspection is your chance to engage directly with the expert and gain deeper insight. These questions help you understand the home’s condition as issues arise: 

1. What does that mean? 
When the inspector points out a concern, ask for a clear explanation in simple terms. Understanding what a problem is and why it matters enables you to assess its impact. 

Why Ask: You avoid confusion and can better weigh repair costs or negotiation strategies with the seller. 

2. Is this a major problem or a minor issue? 
Not every defect is a deal breaker. This question helps you distinguish between problems that require immediate attention and those that are common or easily fixed. 

Why Ask: It helps prevent unnecessary worry and supports informed decision-making on whether to proceed or negotiate repairs. 

3. How do I maintain or care for these systems? 
Ask about upkeep for important systems like HVAC, plumbing, or electrical. Learning proper maintenance practices can extend the life of these components and avoid costly repairs. 

Why Ask: You’ll be better equipped to care for your home and protect your investment long term. 

4. What are your biggest concerns about this property? 
Request a summary of the most critical issues the inspector has identified. This helps you prioritize follow-up actions and focus your attention where it matters most. 

Why Ask: You’ll be prepared to address the most urgent problems, whether through negotiation, further expert evaluation, or budgeting for repairs. 

After the Inspection: Understanding the Report and Planning Next Steps 

Once you have the written report in hand, it’s important to review it carefully and clarify any uncertainties to make confident choices: 

1. Can you clarify anything in the report I don’t understand? 
Technical language and detailed findings can be confusing. Don’t hesitate to ask your inspector for further explanation to ensure you fully grasp the condition of the property. 

Why Ask: Clear understanding prevents misinterpretation and helps you make sound financial and homeownership decisions. 

2. Are there any issues serious enough to reconsider buying? 
Ask the inspector if any problems are so significant they should cause you to pause or reconsider the purchase. 

Why Ask: This helps you avoid costly surprises and ensures you are making a well-informed decision. 

3. Should I bring in specialists for further evaluation? 
If the inspector flags potential issues, inquire whether specialized inspections are recommended to assess repairs and costs more precisely. 

Why Ask: Bringing in experts like electricians or plumbers ensures you have accurate estimates and can negotiate effectively with sellers. 

Conclusion 

By asking the right questions before, during, and after your home inspection, you’ll gain a clear understanding of the property’s condition—empowering you to make confident, informed decisions. Taking a proactive approach helps safeguard your investment and minimizes the risk of costly surprises. 

Disclaimer: First Western Trust is an Equal Housing Lender, NMLS #477166 

7 Key Steps to Take After Finding Your Dream Home

Posted on by First Western Trust Bank

Finding your dream home is an exciting milestone. But once that emotional “yes” is out of the way, there’s a series of practical steps you need to follow before you can truly settle in. By tackling each of these key actions in a structured way, you’ll avoid last‑minute surprises, protect your investment, and ensure a smooth closing and move‑in process. Here are the seven critical steps to take once you’ve found—and put an offer on—your future home.

1. Secure and Confirm Your Financing

Even if you’ve been pre‑approved for a mortgage, it’s vital to reconfirm your loan details now that you have a specific property in sight:

  • Lock in Your Interest Rate: Mortgage rates can fluctuate daily. Ask your lender to lock in the rate to protect you from market volatility between now and closing.
  • Review Loan Terms: Examine your loan’s amortization schedule, closing costs, and any prepayment penalties. Ensure you understand exactly what you’ll pay each month, and for how long.
  • Submit Additional Documentation: The lender may request updated bank statements, pay stubs, or tax returns based on the home’s purchase price. Respond quickly to avoid delays in underwriting.

Securing your financing not only gives you peace of mind but also demonstrates to the seller that you’re a committed buyer.

2. Schedule a Thorough Home Inspection

A professional home inspection is your best defense against hidden problems:

  • Hire a Reputable Inspector: Choose someone certified through a recognized organization (e.g., ASHI or InterNACHI).
  • Attend the Inspection: Walk through the property with the inspector to learn firsthand about potential issues with the foundation, roof, HVAC, plumbing, or electrical systems.
  • Review the Inspection Report: Expect a detailed report with photos, cost estimates for recommended repairs, and notes on safety concerns or code violations.

This step helps you make an informed decision about proceeding with the purchase or negotiating repairs.

3. Negotiate Repairs and Seller Concessions

Once you have the inspection report in hand, you can approach the seller with confidence:

  • Prioritize Repairs: Focus on major structural or safety issues (e.g., mold, water damage, faulty wiring). Minor cosmetic fixes can often be handled after closing.
  • Request Credits or Price Reductions: Instead of asking the seller to complete repairs, you might negotiate a credit at closing, giving you the flexibility to choose your own contractor.
  • Set Clear Deadlines: Include language in the purchase agreement that specifies a timeframe for the seller’s response and completion of agreed repairs or credits.

A well‑negotiated deal ensures you won’t be hit with unexpected expenses after you move in.

4. Finalize Homeowners Insurance and Protect Your Investment

Lenders require proof of insurance before funding your mortgage, but homeowners insurance offers benefits beyond satisfying loan requirements:

  • Shop for Coverage: Compare policies for dwelling coverage, personal property protection, and liability limits. Look for endorsements that cover flood or earthquake risk if you live in vulnerable areas.
  • Set an Effective Date: Schedule your policy to begin on the day of closing so there’s no coverage gap.
  • Review Deductibles and Premiums: Higher deductibles lower premiums but increase out‑of‑pocket costs for claims. Balance your risk tolerance with your budget.

Insurance safeguards you against fire, theft, and liability, making it a non‑negotiable step before taking ownership.

5. Review Homeowners Association (HOA) Rules and Fees

If your new home is part of an HOA or condo association, take time to understand your obligations:

  • Obtain Governing Documents: Review the CC&Rs, bylaws, and any amendments to understand restrictions, maintenance responsibilities, and architectural guidelines.
  • Confirm Dues and Special Assessments: Know the monthly or annual fees, what they cover, and any pending special assessments that could affect your budget.
  • Attend an HOA Meeting: If possible, attend a board meeting or speak with current residents to get a sense of community dynamics and upcoming projects.

Familiarizing yourself with HOA rules early prevents surprises later, from exterior paint restrictions to landscaping requirements.

6. Conduct a Final Walk‑Through

A final walk‑through typically takes place 24–48 hours before closing to verify the home’s condition:

  • Check Repair Completion: Ensure all agreed repairs have been made to your satisfaction.
  • Test Systems and Appliances: Turn on HVAC, run water through faucets, flush toilets, and test appliances to confirm they’re operational.
  • Verify Cleanliness and Inclusions: Confirm the home is broom‑clean and that fixtures, window treatments, or appliances specified in the contract remain.

This step lets you address last‑minute issues with the seller before you sign the final documents.

7. Prepare for Closing and Move‑In

With inspections, financing, and insurance in place, turn your attention to the practicalities of closing and moving:

  • Organize Closing Documents: Bring identification, proof of funds for closing costs, and any documents your escrow officer requests.
  • Hire Movers or Rent Equipment: Book a reputable moving company early or reserve a truck and supplies if you plan a DIY move.
  • Change Your Address and Set Up Utilities: Notify the post office, transfer utilities (electric, water, gas, internet), and forward any subscriptions or billing addresses.

By tackling these tasks in advance, you’ll reduce stress on closing day and be ready to enjoy your new home immediately.

Conclusion

Finding your dream home is just the beginning of an exciting journey. By following these seven key steps—securing financing, scheduling inspections, negotiating repairs, finalizing insurance, understanding HOA rules, performing a final walk‑through, and preparing for closing—you’ll protect your investment and ensure a smooth transition. A methodical approach lets you focus on the joy of homeownership while minimizing unforeseen hurdles. Congratulations on your new home, and here’s to many happy years in your dream space!