What Every First-Time Homebuyer Should Know About Inspections
By the FPI Team
If you’re buying your first home, congratulations—you’re stepping into one of life’s biggest (and most exciting) milestones. But between mortgage rates, down payments, and touring listings, there’s one step that can’t be overlooked: the home inspection.
At Focused Property Inspections (FPI), we’ve worked with hundreds of first-time homebuyers across North Carolina, and we get it—this process can feel overwhelming. So here’s what you really need to know, from the basics to the big surprises, and how a proper inspection can help you avoid buyer’s remorse before the ink is dry.
What Is a Home Inspection (and Why Should You Care)?
A home inspection is a professional, objective evaluation of the visible and accessible systems in a home—think roof, foundation, plumbing, HVAC, electrical, and more. It gives you an honest snapshot of the home’s condition before you commit.
A good inspection helps you:
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Avoid unexpected costs post-closing
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Negotiate repairs or credits with the seller
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Plan for future maintenance
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Sleep better at night
According to the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), over 90% of homebuyers get an inspection—and we think 100% should.
When Does the Inspection Happen?
Once your offer is accepted, the clock starts ticking on your due diligence period. In North Carolina, this is typically a short window (5–14 days) where you, the buyer, are responsible for performing all inspections and investigations.
Schedule the home inspection as soon as possible. This gives you time to review the report, get estimates on repairs if needed, and decide what (if anything) you’d like to ask the seller to fix.
What Do Inspectors Actually Look At?
A licensed home inspector checks all major systems and structural components, including:
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Roof & Attic
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Foundation & Crawlspace
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Plumbing fixtures & water heater
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Electrical system & panel
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HVAC systems
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Doors, windows, insulation
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Floors, walls, ceilings
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Appliances (in some cases)
Want a deeper dive? Check out this Home Inspection Checklist by The Balance.
At FPI, we also offer optional add-ons that are highly recommended in NC—like radon testing (yep, it’s a thing) and septic or sewer scope inspections, especially if the home isn’t on a city sewer system.
Common Surprises for First-Time Buyers
Even homes that “look perfect” can have hidden issues. Here are a few surprises we often see:
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Leaky crawlspaces or moisture damage (especially in older homes)
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Roof wear that isn’t visible from the ground
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Outdated wiring or panels that aren’t to code
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Improper drainage causing structural concerns
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Double-tapped breakers or GFCI outlets missing in key areas
None of these are reasons to panic—but they are reasons to be informed. If the report shows serious issues, you may renegotiate or walk away without losing your earnest money (depending on how your contract is written).
Not sure what’s a deal-breaker? Here’s a helpful guide from Zillow on how to evaluate inspection results.
What If You’re Buying a New Construction Home?
Even brand-new homes have problems. Builders make mistakes, and municipalities don’t catch everything during code inspections. A private inspection ensures everything is safe and built as promised.
Read why experts recommend inspections for new homes too in this U.S. News article.
How to Read the Report Without Freaking Out
First-time buyers sometimes panic when they see a long list of “deficiencies.” Don’t.
Every home—even new ones—will have a few issues. The goal is not perfection; it’s awareness. Focus on the major systems, safety hazards, and anything expensive to fix.
FPI’s Bonus for First-Time Buyers
We know that every dollar counts in your first home purchase. That’s why Focused Property Inspections offers a $50 discount for first-time buyers who choose to pay at closing. It’s just our way of helping you get started the smart way.
To claim your discount, mention you’re a first-time buyer and ask your closing attorney to include the fee on the settlement statement. Easy, seamless, and one less upfront expense.
Final Thoughts
Buying your first home should be thrilling—not terrifying. A quality home inspection puts the power in your hands. It tells you what’s good, what needs work, and what you should keep an eye on over time.
At Focused Property Inspections, we don’t just do inspections—we educate and empower. We’ll walk you through the report, explain what matters, and help you make smart decisions.
📚 Helpful Resources for First-Time Buyers: