The home inspection is a critical step in the Arkansas home-buying process. It helps uncover potential issues, giving you peace of mind before finalizing your purchase. Learn what to expect during the inspection, how to prepare, and what to do if problems arise—all from a buyer's perspective.
What is a Home Inspection?
A home inspection is an in-depth evaluation of the property’s condition, carried out by a licensed inspector. The inspector will look at key systems and structures, such as the roof, foundation, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and more. The goal is to identify any existing or potential issues that could affect the safety or value of the home.
Scheduling Your Inspection
After your offer is accepted, it’s important to schedule the home inspection as soon as possible. Most buyers in Arkansas will want to complete the inspection within the first 10 business days of the contract. The earlier it’s done, the more time you’ll have to discuss potential repairs or negotiate changes to the deal before closing.
Should You Attend the Inspection?
Attending the inspection is not mandatory. If you do want to drop by, we recommend going to the last 30 minutes to an hour of the inspection to discuss the inspectors findings. Being there allows you to ask the inspector questions, get a firsthand look at any issues, and better understand the condition of the home. Usually your agent does have to accompany you. If you do not attend the inspection, that's ok! All of the inspectors we recommend will provide full color reports within 24 of the inspection with photos and sometimes videos and they are willing to have a conference call with you to review the report when it is convenient for you.
Reviewing the Inspection Report
After the inspection, you’ll receive a detailed report outlining any problems the inspector found. This report will include photos and descriptions of the issues, as well as recommendations for repairs or further evaluations. It is common to see roofing issues, foundation settling, water issues, and aging HVAC systems and more, so don't let it surprise you. The report is your roadmap for addressing any concerns before finalizing the purchase. If you are using an inspector that we have not recommended, be sure you ask for a previous report so you can see the type of work they do.
What Should You Do When Problems Arise?
There WILL be problems. Even on new construction there is always something that is found on inspection which is why we suggest professional inspectors to all of our clients.
If the inspection reveals significant issues, don’t panic. You have options:
- Request Repairs: You can ask the seller to fix certain problems before closing. This is common for major issues like safety hazards or structural damage. Depending on your loan type, you could also have funds set aside or "escrowed" for a contracor or repair man to complete repairs to your liking after close.
- Negotiate the Price: Instead of asking for repairs, you might negotiate a lower price to cover the cost of addressing the issues yourself after you move in. This is the most popular optoin for cash buyers.
- Walk Away: If the problems are too severe and can’t be resolved to your satisfaction, you may choose to back out of the deal, depending on the terms of your contract. We always recommend attempting to resolve the issues with the seller first because you never know what they may be agreeable to.
Preparing for the Unexpected
Even with the best planning, inspections can reveal unexpected issues. It’s important to keep an open mind and be prepared to negotiate if needed. In many cases, small problems can be fixed with minimal hassle, but being aware of the bigger issues will help you avoid future headaches.
Key Takeaways
Every home inspection will reveal something, even with new construction, so it’s important to be prepared for issues.
Carefully review the inspection report, which will provide critical details and recommendations for addressing any problems.
Afterward, you have multiple options—whether that’s negotiating repairs, adjusting the price, or walking away, based on the findings and the terms of your contract.
