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What is a Home Inspection?

December 15, 2011 By Doug Francis

Home Inspection photo Vienna Virginia

Okay, we got a problem!

Although every home buyer wants a home inspection, there really isn’t any set criteria to help them know what to expect.

If you are a home buyer, an inspection typically takes place after a contract has been accepted or ratified by you and the seller. There will be a set contingency period when you will hire a professional home inspector to make a visual inspection of the major systems in the house. It is an example of home-schooling because most buyers learn more in three hours than they ever would otherwise.

Your home inspector should provide you with a complete, written report of the systems that he was able to get a look at. It should note how old appliances are, give you an idea on the condition of the home, and make recommendations for repairs or future replacements. Remember, a home inspection can’t possibly catch everything, but keep in mind that you are hiring a “trained eye” who looks critically at homes every day.

I always recommend a couple of good inspectors, but you can easily Google local home inspectors or look on Angie’s List or Yelp. Online reviews are good but you’ll need to contact them and ask a very specific question.

Skipping the photos is a risky shortcut

My easy tip for home buyers: ask your potential inspector if his report will  include digital photos?

It is going to be essential for Northern Virginia home buyers to have thorough reports that provide good documentation including digital photos in their home inspection reports. In my opinion, the new NVAR Regional Sales Contract is going to put greater emphasis on home inspections.

Even if you aren’t working with me, please make sure your home inspector uses a digital camera.

If you are just starting the process of finding a home to buy then check out my Home Buyer Tips , or you send me an e-mail at doug@dougfrancis.com to discuss your plans.

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Filed Under: Blog, Home Buyer Tips, Video Blogs Tagged With: Northern Virginia

About Doug Francis

A Realtor specializing in unique and new homes around Vienna, Virginia, Doug started writing a first-hand blog about his everyday real estate experiences a decade ago. In depth, helpful and fun has always been the objective. Outside real estate, he was profiled in a commercial for Verisign's "Where the World Clicks" campaign, and was quoted in Money Magazine's Best Places to Live article on Vienna. He's a Boston University graduate who feels morning coffee is non-negotiable.

Helping my clients add value to their home has always been important to me. My step-by-step recommendations are intended to increase market appeal, return more then invested, and help net more when selling.

Beyond just sellers, I have helped many new homeowners make smart design decisions when remodeling. We gutted our house and totally remodeled it, and I pass that experience along because living in a nice house is simply better.

My background… I’ve been an active licensed agent in Virginia for 25 years, work at TTR Sotheby’s International Realty in McLean, and sell homes in all price ranges. I donate to the Town of Vienna tree replacement fund, participate in a neighborhood citizens association, and try my best to stay in shape.

Questions? Email doug@dougfrancis.com or call me at (703) 304-6827 to discuss your plans. Cheers!

Filmed in Vienna and McLean

https://youtu.be/ClqEIV1zoQg
Viva Vienna Vienna Idol event on the Town Green sponsored by Caffe Amouri

The Vienna Town Green

The Town Green in Vienna, Virginia is located where Maple Avenue intersects the W&OD Bike Trail and Mill Street. The Town

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About Doug Francis

I am a Realtor with TTR Sotheby's International Realty® just outside Washington D.C. in Northern Virginia. I have been a full-time Realtor licensed in Virginia since 1991, and cover a big territory specializing in the Vienna real estate market and custom homes for sale.

I have unique knowledge of digital real estate marketing, and my marketing starts here. My clients have been attracted to my results-oriented strategy for years, and I am accepting new clients for Fall 2022 right now.

Thanks for reading, and feel free to contact me at 703-304-6827 or email me at doug@dougfrancis.com anytime!

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TTR Sotheby's International Realty
6723 Whittier Avenue McLean, VA 22101

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