What are the biggest red flags in a home inspection?

Major home inspection red flags include foundation issues (large cracks, sagging floors), significant water damage/mold, outdated and unsafe electrical systems, old and corroded plumbing (galvanized pipes), pest infestations (termites), failing HVAC systems, and a worn-out roof, as these signal potentially expensive and serious repairs that impact the home's structural integrity and safety.

What are the major red flags in a home inspection?

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• negative slope/improper drainage around the outside of the home
• Gutters do not extend water beyond 5' from the foundation
• musty or funky smells
• sagging/uneven floors
• water/stain marks on ceilings
• doors and windows that do not close/open easily as they should

What would make a house fail a home inspection?

Top reasons homes fail inspection

Structural problems could include: Foundation flaws such as cracks, troublesome tree roots and uneven settling or lack of steel reinforcement. An aging, damaged or deteriorating roof. Missing flashing or shingles.

What's the most common home inspection issue?

Most Common Home Inspection Findings

• Roof. Over 19 percent of home inspections uncover roofing issues. ...
• Electrical wiring. Approximately 51,000 fires start each year in the home due to improper wiring. ...
• Insulation and ventilation. ...
• Plumbing. ...
• Grading and drainage. ...
• Mold. ...
• Foundation. ...
• Roof.

What is the first thing an inspector wants to see?

In most inspections (like OSHA or workplace safety), the first thing an inspector wants to see are your records and paperwork, such as safety plans, training logs, compliance documents, and incident reports, to get an overview of operations before looking at physical items. For a home inspection, it's often the roof, foundation, and HVAC/electrical systems, as these are major structural/safety components, though the inspector starts by getting access to the property and turning on systems like heat/AC. 

What Are The Biggest Red Flags During A Home Inspection? - Home Investing Experts

Do home inspectors check every room?

Yes, home inspectors check every room in the house. They look at walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, outlets, and fixtures in each space. However, they focus on the home's systems and structure rather than cosmetic details, such as paint colors or decorating choices.

Can I negotiate repairs after inspection?

A home inspection is your best tool for negotiating a home sale. After going through the home inspection report with your realtor, bring up the concerns to a home seller. You can ask the seller to make repairs or do maintenance before the sale closes. You can also negotiate a lower price instead.

What do home inspectors not look for?

While there is variation of what home inspectors look for, there are areas that are typically not covered in a standard home inspection, such as: Pest control (such as termites, carpenter ants and rodents) Swimming pools. Asbestos.

What is considered a defect in a home inspection?

For example, in states like California, sellers can be held liable if they fail to disclose significant issues like mold, water damage, or foundation problems.

What really matters in a home inspection?

These issues vary widely, but some common problems inspectors look for are structural or foundation problems, improper drainage that could damage the structure over time, faulty wiring that could disqualify a home from being insured, HVAC system issues, and safety issues such as tripping hazards or too few smoke alarms ...

How clean does my house need to be for an inspection?

Deep Clean Every Room

A clean home is essential to make a strong impression on visitors. Even minor dust or grime can be a major turn-off during an inspection. Focus on High-Use Areas: Kitchens and bathrooms should be spotless. Deep clean countertops, appliances, sinks, toilets, and showers.

Who pays for repairs after inspection?

A buyer and seller's real estate agents will be able to fill them in on the laws in their particular state, but in general a seller is responsible for paying to fix severe water damage or mold issues, to replace missing or broken smoke detectors, and to remedy building code violations, among other things.

What happens if a home inspection comes back poor?

Knowing that, if the inspection report reveals significant issues, the buyer is typically better off asking for a credit instead of asking the seller to take care of the repairs themselves. A credit would help bring down closing costs for the buyer at closing, alleviating the cost of making major repairs to the home.

When to walk away from a home inspection?

There may be some instances where you should walk away from your home inspection, no matter how much you love the place. Some of them are poor maintenance, bad smells, or cheap repairs. For example, the home has been poorly maintained, or there are unsightly improvements in the yard (like an abandoned pool).

What are the five red flags?

Five common relationship red flags include controlling behavior (dictating choices), constant criticism or gaslighting (making you doubt reality), lack of empathy/accountability (always making excuses, blaming exes), secrecy/dishonesty (lying, hiding things), and extreme jealousy or possessiveness. These warning signs point to unhealthy dynamics, manipulation, or a partner's inability to form a secure attachment, often masking deeper issues.
 

What is the 3 3 3 rule in real estate?

Three months of savings, three months of mortgage reserves, and three property comparisons give you confidence and flexibility. When you follow the 3-3-3 rule, you're not just buying land, you're building a plan that could protect your investment, your lifestyle, and your financial health.

What would make a house not pass an inspection?

Foundation. The home inspector will look for foundation issues, which show themselves through several clues. A sloping floor and large cracks in the walls, ceiling, or exterior, can all point to foundational issues. Damp basements, moldy crawl spaces, and poor lawn drainage can also indicate problems.

What are the top 3 defects?

3 TYPES OF DEFECTS FOR DEFECT CLASSIFICATION

• Minor defects are usually cosmetic and not considered to be serious.
• Major defects may inhibit the product's ability to function as intended and are considered somewhat serious.
• Critical defects may pose hazards and are considered to be very serious.

What is the most common issue to arise in a home inspection?

The 5 Most Common Home Inspection Problems

• Roofing Problems.
• Electrical Wiring Issues.
• Poor Attic Ventilation And Insulation.
• Poor Grading And Drainage Around The Home.
• Plumbing Problems.

Do home inspectors care if your house is messy?

Although the cleanliness of your home has no impact on the inspection, a dirty or messy home may prevent the inspector to access areas of the home.

What is the most common reason a property fails to sell?

The most common reason a property fails to sell is that it's priced too high for its condition and the local market, causing buyers to skip it for better value elsewhere, even if the home is nice; other major factors include poor condition/repairs, bad staging, limited showing access, and weak marketing. Buyers use data on comparable sales to know if a price is unreasonable, so an emotional seller's high expectation is often the core issue. 

What salary do you need for a $400,000 house?

To afford a $400k house, you generally need an annual income between $90,000 and $135,000, though this varies by interest rates, down payment, and debt, with lenders often looking for housing costs under 28% of your gross income (28/36 rule). A lower income might suffice with a large down payment or higher interest, while more debt requires a higher income, potentially pushing the need to over $100k-$120k+ annually. 

Do sellers have to fix everything on a home inspection?

Do sellers have to fix everything revealed by home inspections? Although negotiating home repairs is quite common, it's important to note that these repairs are not mandatory, and sellers cannot be forced to fix anything from the inspection report.

When to not buy a house after inspection?

One of the most common reasons buyers back out after a home inspection is simple: the inspector finds something wrong with the house that they feel is a more significant issue than what they're comfortable with. For example, if the home inspector finds something toxic, such as asbestos or mold.

What percentage of home sales fall through after an inspection?

However, reality is that not every real estate deal is going to make it to a happy ending. According to Trulia, 3.9 percent of sales failed in 2016, meaning that the majority of sales close, but some deals still fall apart for different reasons.