Doug Francis | Realtor

  • Our Business
  • About Me
  • Sell Your Home
  • Contact

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.

Share this with a friend...Share on FacebookTweet about this on TwitterShare on LinkedInPin on PinterestEmail this to someone

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.

Being able to guide my clients through many real estate sales, either moving out, moving in, or just across town, has been a rewarding experience that helps when discussing a plan with a future client.

Being able to help them focus and understand our proven sales plan always eases their anxiety of this looming personal task. And, putting it into bite-sized steps always helps them get where they really want to be.

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 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!

Thinking of Moving?

Let me know if you want to talk about your house and getting it ready for the market. Let me know if it's a second opinion, it's okay. Start here and let's talk.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Have a question?

Homeowners: Add a level of privacy

name withheld by request

Privacy: Remove your name

Looking for testimonials?

Read through a collection of client comments originally posted on Zillow, Google and Trulia. See what my clients say...

Looking for a Custom Home?

Insights into New Homes in Vienna VA
Home project during pandemic

It’s Okay! Pretend like you’re Getting Ready to Sell

Right now, having a do-able home project may be just what you need to reduce your stress levels. Really, it’s okay to pretend a little while improving your home and current lifestyle. Putting together plans to help my clients prepare their homes to appeal to the Vienna real estate market is always fun, but, these […]

“Doug nailed it! Within days, we had three offers, one of which not only met, but far exceeded all of our goals.”
– R. Pollard

“He truly was a partner integrating us unto the community and made it easy for us to take advantage of all Vienna has to offer.”
– A. D’Eredita

“We are so thankful we found Doug to guide us through the complex home selling and buying processes!”
– Scott and Jennie

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 elite clientele has been attracted to my results-oriented strategy for years, and I am accepting new clients now.

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

Search for a subject

Contact

Doug: (703) 304-6827

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

Office: 703-319-3344
Why do people hire me?

Search for homes in Vienna

Vienna Real Estate Guide

Logo for Washingtonian Best 2020
This material can only be used with written permission.

Equal Housing Opportunity

 

Copyright © 2021 · Minimum Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

Deciding where you should start is often the most complex decision when planning a move.

I help my clients achieve their real estate goals starting with a plan.

Let’s talk, and give your dream a deadline.


Please know that we don’t share your phone number, email or any other information you provide.