Home Inspection 101: What Every Texas Buyer Should Know

So, you've found a home you love, made an offer, and now you're officially under contract—congrats! One of the most important next steps in your home buying journey is the home inspection. In Texas, this typically happens during the option period, which is a short window (usually 3–7 days) where buyers can investigate the property and even back out of the contract if needed.

Let’s walk through what a home inspection involves, what you’ll get from it, and how it can help you make informed decisions moving forward.

What Is a Home Inspection?

A home inspection is a top-to-bottom evaluation of the property's condition, performed by a licensed inspector. Their job is to take a deep look at the home’s major systems and structural components, including:

• Roof and attic

• Foundation and structural integrity

• HVAC (heating and cooling)

• Plumbing

• Electrical

• Appliances

• Windows, doors, and more

The goal is to identify any current issues or potential future problems—big or small.

What Do You Get From the Inspection?

After the inspection is complete, the inspector will provide a detailed written report, often with lots of photos and clear explanations. This report will note whether each part of the home is:

• Functioning properly

• In need of repair

• In need of further evaluation by a specialist

Most inspectors will also offer a short walk-through of the property to review their findings and answer any questions you might have. This is a great time to get clarity on what’s a minor fix vs. a bigger concern.

What Happens After the Inspection?

Once you’ve reviewed the report with your real estate agent, you’ll typically have three main options during the option period:

1. Request Repairs: You can ask the seller to fix certain issues before closing. This is common for major items or safety concerns.

2. Request Concessions: Instead of repairs, you can request financial concessions—like money toward closing costs or a price reduction—so you can handle the repairs after closing.

3. Terminate the Contract: If the inspection reveals major issues and you’re no longer comfortable moving forward, you have the right to back out of the deal (as long as you’re still within the option period) and get your earnest money back.

A Few Important Things to Remember

• Every home has issues. Even brand-new homes straight from a builder will likely have a few minor items that show up on the inspection report. That’s totally normal!

• The inspector’s job is to be thorough—and sometimes that means pointing out dozens of little things. Don’t panic! Many of them are small, inexpensive fixes.

• Most sellers are willing to work with buyers—either through repairs or concessions—to keep the deal moving forward.

Final Thoughts

The home inspection is your chance to really understand the condition of the home you're buying. It’s an investment that can save you thousands of dollars and countless headaches down the line. With a good inspector and a great real estate agent on your side, you'll be in a strong position to make the best decision for your future home.