06

Inspection

Five to seven days to know the home better than the seller does.

Key Takeaways
01

The general inspection is a top-to-bottom professional evaluation — roof to foundation, service panel to sewer scope.

02

The inspection is not a pass/fail exam — it is negotiating intelligence.

The general inspection is a top-to-bottom professional evaluation — roof to foundation, service panel to sewer scope. I attend every inspection with my buyers. I walk the roof with the inspector when it's safe, listen to the HVAC, watch the water pressure, and photograph what matters. By the end of the appointment we have a document, a shared understanding, and a strategy.

The inspection is not a pass/fail exam — it is negotiating intelligence. Findings become one of three requests: a repair, a credit, or a price reduction. Most sellers will do something. Skilled representation determines what, and how much.

Where warranted, we commission specialty inspections: sewer scope on any home older than 20 years, radon in Northern Virginia (a high-risk zone), chimney level-two, structural engineer, pool, well, and septic. Each is a small investment against a large potential exposure.

Key Points

General Inspection

3–4 hours on-site. Written report within 24 hours with photos and video.

Specialty Add-Ons

Sewer scope, radon, mold, chimney, structural, pool, well/septic — commissioned as the property warrants.

Negotiation Play

Repair, credit, or price reduction — we choose the instrument that preserves your loan structure and cash position.

The Buyer's Checklist
  • General Inspection

    3–4 hours on-site. Written report within 24 hours with photos and video.

  • Specialty Add-Ons

    Sewer scope, radon, mold, chimney, structural, pool, well/septic — commissioned as the property warrants.

  • Negotiation Play

    Repair, credit, or price reduction — we choose the instrument that preserves your loan structure and cash position.

Practitioner's Notes
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Questions on this chapter?
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