What Happens During The Home Inspection (Video)

What Happens During The Home Inspection (Video Transcription)

Hi everyone, my name is George Bellville. I’m a realtor in Maryland and I’m creating this video to explain what happens during the home inspection process. This video is for both buyers and sellers because it’s two sides of the same coin. I want to talk about what happens and what you should expect.

• Scheduling the Inspection:
  
  • The buyer will schedule the inspection and let the seller know the timing to ensure it works for everyone.
  • The buyer, buyer’s agent, and inspector will show up at the house.
• Seller’s Role:
  
  • It is important that the seller not be at the house during the home inspection. While it’s not a contract requirement, this time allows the buyer to learn about the house, ask questions, and feel more comfortable with their decision.
  • I’ve seen contracts terminated because sellers stayed and argued with the inspector, which is something we want to avoid.
• Inspection Process:
  
  • The inspector will examine everything from the roof to the basement, including doors, windows, the attic, and mechanical systems.
  • They’ll run the dishwasher, turn on the stove and oven, and check various systems in the house.
• Findings and Results:
  
  • The inspector will document their findings, which usually include several minor issues as no house is perfect.
  • The findings are given to the buyer, who then decides on their next steps.
• Buyer’s Choices:
  
  • The current Maryland contract allows two choices for the buyer:
    
    • Cancel the contract if not satisfied with the inspection results.
    • Ask for repairs. Once you ask for repairs, you must negotiate; you can’t cancel unless terms can’t be met.
• Negotiation Process:
  
  • Typically, buyers may prioritize the most important issues from the inspection report and prepare an addendum for the seller.
  • The seller then has a certain amount of time to respond, and both parties negotiate until an agreement is reached.
• Different Types of Inspections:
  
  • While this overview focuses on structural and mechanical inspections, the process is similar for other types like chimney inspections.
  • Well and septic inspections vary slightly and depend on the county.
• Duration of Inspection:
  
  • A structural mechanical inspection usually takes a minimum of three hours.
  • Combining multiple inspections (home, chimney, radon) can be more convenient for everyone but isn’t always possible.
• Advice for Buyers:
  
  • Once under contract, buyers should schedule the inspections at their convenience. If the chosen time doesn’t work for the agent, another agent from the office can cover.

I hope that all makes sense. This is a broad overview to avoid getting too technical. There are many detailed videos available from home inspectors that explain the process. I also have a 25-minute video of me walking through a house, covering what I look for during showings, which parallels a home inspection.

If you have any questions, you should have our contact information, but if you don’t, it’s in the information below. Have a great day!