A home inspection is a pivotal part of the buying or selling process, offering valuable insight into the property’s condition. But what comes next after the inspection is complete? Whether you’re the buyer or seller, understanding your next steps can help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
A Central San Diego home inspection provides a detailed report, but it’s what you do with that information that truly matters. In this guide, we’ll break down what to expect after the home inspection is done.
What to do after an inspection?
From negotiating repairs to finalizing paperwork, this stage can shape the outcome of your real estate transaction:
1. Review the inspection report carefully
After the home inspection, you’ll receive a detailed report outlining the home’s condition, including both major concerns and minor issues. This document may include photos, notes, and recommendations for repairs or further evaluation. Take your time to review the report thoroughly. Don’t panic over a long list—many findings are common and not deal-breakers.
2. Consult with your real estate agent
Your agent plays a key role in interpreting the results and guiding you through the next steps. They can help you prioritize which issues are most important, and suggest reasonable repair requests or negotiation strategies. Their experience is especially helpful when it comes to determining what’s standard in your local market.
3. Decide how to respond
Buyers typically have a few options after an inspection:
- Accept the home as-is if no major concerns are present.
- Request repairs for specific issues, especially those that affect safety, structure, or functionality.
- Ask for credits or a price reduction to offset the cost of repairs.
- Walk away if serious problems are discovered and an agreement can’t be reached.
Sellers can respond by agreeing to the requests, offering compromises, or declining to make changes. The key is open communication and flexibility.
4. Negotiate repairs or credits
This is often the most delicate part of the post-inspection phase. Buyers may ask the seller to fix certain problems or offer a credit so the buyer can handle the repairs themselves. Sellers might be willing to address some concerns but not others. It’s essential for both parties to be realistic and focus on major items like electrical issues, roof damage, plumbing leaks, or HVAC problems.
5. Schedule additional inspections if needed
If the inspector flagged areas that require specialist evaluation—such as mold, foundation, or roof concerns—you may need to bring in additional professionals. These follow-up inspections can clarify the scope and cost of repairs, helping you make a more informed decision.
6. Finalize the agreement
Once both sides agree on how to handle the findings, the purchase agreement can be updated accordingly. Any credits or repairs should be documented clearly. Buyers should also ensure they’re still comfortable moving forward with the purchase based on the final terms.
7. Prepare for closing
After the negotiations are complete, you can move forward with the rest of the closing process. This includes securing final loan approval, completing paperwork, scheduling a final walk-through, and preparing for the official closing date.
Who in Central San Diego provides reliable home inspection?
If you’d like to learn more about what exactly a home inspector looks for or how long inspections usually take, you can trust our professionals at The Inspectors Company to provide you with all the necessary information and a premium-quality service. Whether you need us in Cortez Hill or another nearby neighborhood, you can count on our experts. Give us a call today and find out why we’re the best at what we do!
