A licensed or qualified home inspector examines the property's major systems and components, typically including:
🏗️ Foundation & Structure — Looks for cracks, movement, water intrusion, and structural concerns.
🏠 Roof & Attic — Checks the roof condition, leaks, ventilation, insulation, and visible damage.
⚡ Electrical System — Reviews the electrical panel, outlets, wiring, and visible safety issues.
🚿 Plumbing — Checks faucets, toilets, drains, water pressure, visible pipes, and signs of leaks.
❄️ HVAC System — Evaluates the heating and air-conditioning equipment and basic operation.
🪟 Windows & Doors — Checks operation, seals, damage, and visible water intrusion.
🍳 Appliances — Tests built-in appliances when included in the inspection.
🧱 Exterior — Reviews siding, grading, drainage, walkways, patios, and other visible exterior components.
💧 Signs of Moisture or Water Damage — Looks for visible evidence of leaks or moisture problems.
The inspector normally provides a written inspection report with photos identifying observed defects, safety concerns, maintenance items, and other findings.
Don't panic if the report is long. Almost every home has issues, including new construction. What matters is understanding which findings are minor and which could become expensive or affect the safety or condition of the property.
Depending on your purchase contract and inspection provisions, the inspection may give you an opportunity to negotiate with the seller.
You may be able to request that the seller:
🔧 Make repairs before closing.
💰 Provide a credit or concession toward certain costs, subject to your mortgage program's rules and limits.
🏷️ Reduce the sales price instead of completing certain repairs.
The seller may accept, reject, or counter your request. Your real estate agent can help you determine which items are worth negotiating.
These are not the same thing.
A home inspection primarily helps you understand the physical condition of the property.
A mortgage appraisal is ordered for the lender and is primarily used to establish the property's value and determine whether it meets applicable lender or loan-program property requirements.
An appraisal should not be considered a substitute for a professional home inspection.
Whenever possible, attend the inspection. You'll have an opportunity to see potential problems firsthand and ask the inspector questions.
Pay particular attention to potentially expensive items such as the foundation, roof, HVAC, plumbing, electrical system, drainage, and evidence of previous water damage.
Also remember that a standard inspection may not cover everything. Depending on the property, you might consider additional inspections for termites/WDI, sewer lines, pools, septic systems, wells, chimneys, mold concerns, or other specialized areas.
Think of the home inspection as your opportunity to learn what you're buying before you buy it.
A good inspection can help you:
✅ Identify potential problems
✅ Estimate upcoming repairs
✅ Negotiate when appropriate
✅ Avoid unexpected expenses
✅ Make a more informed decision before closing
The goal isn't necessarily to find a perfect house—it's to know the condition of the house you're agreeing to purchase.
Licensed Mortgage Loan Officer | Licensed Texas Real Estate Agent
Clear Lending | Houston, Texas
NMLS ID: 367858 | Texas TREC License: 0640762
Joan Gallardo is a dual-licensed Mortgage Loan Officer and Texas Real Estate Agent specializing in residential mortgage financing, homeownership, and real estate investment. His combined expertise including as builder, remodeler and investor helps homebuyers and investors make informed decisions, from mortgage pre-approval and property selection with structural experience to financing and closing.
🏡 Clear Steps. Clear Terms. Clear Loans.
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I am so so excited, I have closed on my home and it was all made possible with the help of Joan and his team (Patricia and Elena) at Clear Lending Home Mortgage. When I first started the process of getting approval for my home, I was nervous and scared of the unknown of being a first time homebuyer and with the Interest Rates steadily increasing would I be able to get a good rate. Well after speaking to Joan for the first time via phone he assured me he would do his best to make it happen and he quickly put my mind at ease. Not only did I close in a little over 30 days, he also managed to get me an Interest Rate of 3.671% . From beginning to the end of the process, the staff at Clear Lending was professional, quick and took great care of making sure that I was informed every step of they way. A special "Thank You" to Joan.. for your hard work, honesty, and dedication in being a dream maker and making my dream of becoming a homeowner true!! I would gladly recommend Clear Lending to anyone looking to purchase a home.
BEST LOAN OFFICER!!! I had a terrible experience with Nations Reliable Lending. After wasting time, I met Joan Gallardo. He cleaned my credit explaining WITH details what had to be done. He worked day, nights, even on SUNDAYS on getting me approved. Who does that? Just Joan Gallardo!!! I got a 100% financing thanks to Joan. Thanks to Joan my family and I have a place to call a HOME. I recommend everyone to contact JOAN GALLARDO! You will NOT regret it. Thank you Joan!!
Thank you so much Joan for helping me get approved and close on my beautiful house after being denied by AMCAP and CORNERSTONE over silly stuff. I signed a contract with Stormi Harris from NEWMARK homes and she pretty much requested me to get approved with their preferred lenders. First, I went to AMCAP and later I was sent to CORNERSTONE. Both first approved me but after waiting and a second review or something like that denied me for not having 2-year employment history with same employer and for a couple of silly old issues on credit. At that point, I had given NEWMARK homes over $13,000 which sometimes as per all communications I felt builder I was not going to get back if I didn’t get approved. Then I after searching on google for local lenders I was lucky enough to find Clear Lending and after sending an approval request I got a call from Broker Joan Gallardo. I advised him about the urgency and after I sent him my documents requested he gave me peace of mind by telling me I had 90% chance of being able to close. Joan was so clear and precise with what to expect I felt I was on the right place. After few conditions we had to clear I got the good news I was Clear-To-Close. I am so thankful I want everyone to know this guy rocks and if you are buying a brand new house maybe you want to avoid builder lenders if you don’t have everything perfect. Loan Officers will tell you everything is ok but as I lived it I can see they had no idea what underwriting may come back with after waiting and waiting for an approval. Soo scary!!!! Thanks Clear Lending for saving me from a huge loss and helping realize my dreams. I will refer you all my friends or whoever ask me if I know a good lender!!!