A Home Before Buying | How To Inspect

Inspecting a home before buying is your primary safeguard against a "money pit." While a professional inspection is essential, you should conduct your own preliminary walk-through to spot immediate deal-breakers.

Use this simple list during your tour to catch subtle red flags. how to inspect a home before buying

Check for missing, curled, or "bald" shingles (losing granules). From the attic, look for water stains or daylight peeking through. Inspecting a home before buying is your primary

20 Common Things That Fail a Home Inspection Plus Steps to Take | GEICO how to inspect a home before buying

Look for wide horizontal cracks (>1/4 inch), bowing walls, or sloping floors.

Focus on the most expensive systems to repair. Problems here are major negotiation points or reasons to walk away.