What to Do After an Inspection
Understanding the Report
Your home inspection report is a comprehensive document detailing the condition of the property. It includes:
•Photos of issues or areas of concern
•Descriptions of findings (minor, moderate, or major)
•Safety concerns or code violations
•Recommendations for repairs or further evaluation
Don’t panic if you see a long list. No home is perfect—even new builds may have minor issues. The key is to distinguish between normal wear-and-tear and critical concerns that affect safety, structure, or functionality.
Pro tip: Create a checklist of items to address now, later, or to request from the seller.
Negotiating Repairs and Price
Once you’ve reviewed the report, talk with your real estate agent. You can:
•Request repairs – Common for health/safety issues or major system problems.
•Ask for credits – Instead of asking the seller to fix it, you can request a price reduction or closing credit to handle repairs yourself.
•Walk away – If major structural or mechanical problems are discovered, and the seller isn’t willing to negotiate, walking away may be the right call.
At Hill Inspection Services, we’re happy to answer follow-up questions after your report. Knowing what’s negotiable and what’s urgent can make a big financial difference.
Final Thoughts Before Closing
Before you finalize the sale:
•Confirm agreed-upon repairs are completed professionally (ask for receipts or permits if needed).
•Schedule a final walkthrough to verify the home’s condition.
•Secure homeowners insurance using your report if needed to prove systems are in working order.
•Plan for post-closing fixes that may not have been handled by the seller but are on your “to-do” list.
Even if everything isn’t perfect, the inspection gives you the power of knowledge—and that’s essential in a real estate transaction.
Closing Thought:
A home inspection is a powerful tool in your home-buying journey. After the inspection, take the time to review, ask questions, and negotiate if needed. At Hill Inspection Services, our job doesn’t stop after the inspection—we’re here to guide and support you all the way to the closing table.
