What Do Home Inspectors Look For? Why These 5 Items Could Make or Break the Inspection

So you’ve found a home you love that checks all your boxes. Congrats! But before going full steam ahead with the purchase, it’s in your best interest to know the house is safe, structurally sound, and that major systems are functioning properly before closing the deal.

The home inspection is a buyer’s single best opportunity to assess a home’s condition. It documents issues both major and minor, giving you a clear understanding of exactly what you’ll be taking on as a homeowner. Since purchasing a home likely is the largest single expenditure you’ll make in your life, the inspection helps you determine whether to celebrate, budget for necessary repairs, or reconsider the purchase entirely.

But what aspects of a home inspection are most critical? And how should you handle a report that reveals significant issues?

Items that are potential deal-breakers will vary from person to person and depend on a number of factors, such as market conditions, the home’s age, the neighborhood, and your financial situation. Nevertheless, there are several things that inspectors look for that can greatly affect a home sale — for better or for worse.

We’re breaking it all down for you with Omaha agent Amy Haggstrom, who sells homes 40% faster than the average agent in Council Bluffs, along with insights from professional home inspectors. Think of this as your home inspection’s CliffsNotes — a concise overview to help you interpret your inspection report and understand what to expect before finalizing the sale (or deciding otherwise)