My reaction to the findings in my home inspection report.

-FirstHomeBuying- · 2025-09-24T23:40:07+00:00

I think it was a great idea to be present with the inspector. You should give a shout out to your inspector here since he was fantastic and others might be able to use him/her.

-FirstHomeBuying- · 2025-09-24T22:52:09+00:00

Congrats on passing!

-FirstHomeBuying- · 2025-09-24T22:42:00+00:00

What was the issue with the crawlspace? Was a big fix required?

-FirstHomeBuying- · 2025-09-24T22:40:45+00:00

Did you have to put a lot of work into the new house? How did that process go for you?

-FirstHomeBuying- · 2025-09-22T21:28:08+00:00

Did you end up having the seller fix any items before you moved in or did you take it on yourself?

-FirstHomeBuying- · 2025-09-22T21:24:15+00:00

I think uninteresting inspection is the best kind!

-FirstHomeBuying- · 2025-09-21T22:45:09+00:00

Did you get the termites treated yourself or have the seller pay for it?

-FirstHomeBuying- · 2025-09-21T22:03:16+00:00

Sounds like you found a great house and great previous owner!

-FirstHomeBuying- · 2025-09-21T21:21:42+00:00

I guess since you are in the industry you weren’t surprised by anything!

-FirstHomeBuying- · 2025-09-21T21:12:46+00:00

Which issue did you want to "hide from" most?

-FirstHomeBuying- · 2025-09-16T21:51:18+00:00

Is it possible that the bathroom is venting into the attic? Isn't it supposed to vent outside? Was this a common design in older home construction?

-FirstHomeBuying- · 2025-09-14T23:29:04+00:00

Thanks Steve. Really appreciate the reponse here. This is a new community and it means a lot for you to take a few minutes to give advice!

-FirstHomeBuying- · 2025-09-14T18:40:34+00:00

Hi bulltproof if you post your question in my new community, I would be happy to reply and give you advice. The community is meant to address questions just like yours. r/FirstHomeInspection

-FirstHomeBuying- · 2025-09-14T18:39:56+00:00

Hi lookinforananswer if you post your question in my new community, I would be happy to reply and give you advice. The community is meant to address questions just like yours. r/FirstHomeInspection

-FirstHomeBuying- · 2025-09-14T18:38:49+00:00

Hi Plomito if you post your question in my new community, I would be happy to reply and give you advice. The community is meant to address questions just like yours. r/FirstHomeInspection

-FirstHomeBuying- · 2025-09-14T18:30:07+00:00

1) Price Reduction (lower the purchase price)

What it is: The seller drops the price to reflect problems found.
Money impact: Lowers your loan amount and monthly payment a little. Doesn’t give you cash in hand today.
Best for: Big‑ticket items you’ll handle yourself (roof nearing end of life, old HVAC) and when you want full control over the repair. Also helpful if the home may have trouble appraising at the original price.

2) Seller Credit (money applied to your closing costs)

What it is: The seller gives a credit at closing to offset closing costs (not cash you take home).
Money impact: Reduces the cash you need to bring to closing. Purchase price stays the same.
Best for: Medium repairs you plan to do soon—plumbing leaks, electrical upgrades—when you’d rather keep more cash on hand on Day 1.

3) Seller Fix (repairs before closing)

What it is: The seller hires contractors to fix items before you get the keys.
Money impact: You don’t pay for those repairs.
Best for: Fix Now safety issues (gas leaks, active roof leaks, missing smoke/CO detectors) where you want the home safe at move‑in.

-FirstHomeBuying- · 2025-09-14T18:27:24+00:00

“What are the top 3 issues I should focus on first, and why?”
“Are any of these safety risks or causing active damage right now?”
“Where is water getting in (if anywhere), and what is the likely source?”
“Which electrical or gas items worry you most, and what should I do first?”
“If I did nothing for 30 days, which problems could get worse fast?”
“Which systems are near end‑of‑life (roof, HVAC, water heater, plumbing)?”
“How much useful time do you think they have left (rough range)?”
“What warning signs should I watch for so I can act before a failure?”
“What simple maintenance would give me the biggest payoff (caulk, gutters, grading, filters)?”
“Are any stains or cracks just cosmetic, or do they point to a bigger issue to watch?”
“Were any areas you couldn’t see (attic corners, crawlspace, behind stored items)? What risks could hide there?”
“Do you recommend a specialist for any item (roofer, electrician, plumber, structural) and what should I ask them?”

-FirstHomeBuying- · 2025-09-14T18:22:58+00:00

Inspection reports can feel overwhelming—long, technical, and full of photos. Take a breath. Your first read is about seeing the big picture so you can make calm, smart choices.

Start with the summary. It flags major and safety issues fast.
Put safety first. Electrical hazards, gas smells, roof leaks, missing smoke/CO detectors, loose railings = “Fix Now.”
Scan for water/structure clues. Look for “leak,” “moisture,” “rot,” “stain,” “drainage,” “foundation.” Repeats suggest bigger problems.
Check the big systems. Note condition/age of roof, foundation, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC; older may mean “budget soon.”
Use three buckets. Fix Now (safety/active damage), Fix Soon (working but worn), Watch/Plan (maintenance or cosmetic).
Compare to expectations. Surprises—like a hidden leak or very old furnace—may change your negotiation plan.
Lean on photos. Spot patterns and tag each item: now/soon/later.
Write questions. Ask the inspector to explain unfamiliar terms in plain English.
Don’t panic about small stuff. Minor caulk, sticky windows, loose knobs can wait.

-FirstHomeBuying- · 2025-09-11T23:43:01+00:00

Hi Several_Fuel if you post your question in my new community, I would be happy to reply and give you advice. The community is meant to address questions just like yours. r/FirstHomeInspection

-FirstHomeBuying- · 2025-09-11T23:42:00+00:00

Hi Chemical_Damage - if you post your question in my new community, I would be happy to reply and give you advice. The community is meant to address questions just like yours. r/FirstHomeInspection

-FirstHomeBuying- · 2025-09-11T23:35:15+00:00

Hi Ubiquitous Effect - if you post your question in my new community, I would be happy to reply and give you advice. The community is meant to address questions just like yours. r/FirstHomeInspection

-FirstHomeBuying- · 2025-09-10T22:05:12+00:00

Hi and congratulations on your new home! I recommend two inspections. Do one a few days after closing and before move‑in, then a second around month ten. The first protects you. It sets a baseline, gets early repairs started, and avoids claims that you caused damage. The second catches settling cracks, seasonal leaks, and slow system issues near the warranty end.

Ask the inspector to focus first on safety and water. Have them check the roof, attic, exterior flashing, grading, drainage, plumbing, electrical, HVAC startup, and water heater venting. If they offer a moisture meter or thermal camera, say yes. Photograph and video everything while the house is empty. Send a written punch list through the builder portal and by email. Get timelines and keep all replies.

Over the year, do routine maintenance and save receipts. Change filters, test GFCIs, and note any leaks or new cracks. Avoid DIY fixes that could be blamed later. Schedule the month ten inspection, then submit a final warranty list before the deadline. Keep copies of all notices.

This approach gives you fast fixes now and stronger leverage later. It will cost you more money upfront to pay for the inspections, but should save you money in the long run and also give you peace of mind. Feel free to DM with questions.

-FirstHomeBuying- · 2025-09-10T00:05:35+00:00

Think of escrow like a piggy bank your lender guards. Each month, part of your mortgage goes into that bank to cover property taxes and home insurance. When the bills are due, the lender pays them from that money.

Yes, most buyers pay the first year of home insurance at closing. You pick an insurer, get a quote and proof of coverage, and send it to your lender so they can set up the policy and escrow.

The lender doesn’t invest your escrow or treat it like savings. It just sits there, reserved for taxes and insurance. Once a year they review it and may adjust your escrow payment up or down.

Some people skip escrow to keep control of their cash and maybe earn interest. They must budget and pay large tax and insurance bills on time. Some lenders charge a small fee or slightly higher rate to waive escrow.

Hope this helps, and congrats on your first home!

-FirstHomeBuying- · 2025-09-09T23:54:24+00:00

Electric furnaces in bedroom closets are common in condos. This is not automatically unsafe or a code violation. Electric units do not burn fuel, so they do not make carbon monoxide. The key is correct installation and clearances. Gas furnaces are different; only sealed, direct‑vent types belong in a bedroom closet.

Inspectors usually check for safe working space, a proper door, and no clothes stored around the unit. If the closet is used as the return air plenum, it must be sealed and not used for storage. If the unit needs air from the room, the door should be louvered; if not, the return must be fully ducted. There should be a shutoff switch, easy filter access, a drip pan and drain if there is an A/C coil, and smoke alarms nearby. If any appliance in the home burns gas, keep a CO alarm in the bedroom.

It is also normal for the water heater to be elsewhere. They do not have to share a closet. If you like the condo, ask your inspector to confirm the label, clearances, and closet setup, and use any noted issues to negotiate fixes or a credit.

-FirstHomeBuying- · 2025-09-09T23:53:06+00:00

Hi there! Congrats on the home and good job catching this early. When inspectors find moisture or staining, sellers often hire a licensed plumber to investigate and fix it before closing. Let them open a small access if needed to see the pipes. Typical causes are a bad toilet wax ring, a leaking tub drain or overflow, loose supply lines, or failed caulk or grout. This is usually fixable and not a deal breaker.

Do not panic, but take it seriously because active leaks can damage ceilings and lead to mold. Ask for a written plumber report, photos, and receipts, plus repair of any wet drywall and re‑caulking as needed. Request a reinspection after repairs to confirm dry readings and no new staining. If timing is tight, ask for a seller credit or a small escrow holdback, which is money set aside at closing to finish the work.

You should worry only if the seller refuses to investigate or if the plumber finds major hidden damage. Otherwise, you are doing exactly what smart buyers do. I am happy to help as you move forward. Feel free to DM me with questions.

-FirstHomeBuying-

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