Step 9 to Buying a Home: Schedule a Home Inspection

Once a contract has been submitted, schedule a home inspection as soon as possible.
It can always be canceled if we can’t come to terms on the contract.

Recommended Timing

• Aim to complete the inspection within 2–3 days of submitting the contract.
• During busy summer months, inspectors may be booked a week or more in advance.
• Inspectors typically need 1–2 days after the inspection to write the report.
• We’ll still need time to review the report and request any seller credits or repairs.

Plan Your Visit

Plan to attend the inspection. Expect about ~2 hours for a condo and ~3 hours for a single-family home.
Most inspectors work Mon–Fri and do not offer evenings or weekends, so you may need to take time off.

Wear comfortable clothes that can get a little dirty—the inspector may show you items in the basement,
attic, or exterior areas (and roof areas when safely accessible).

Coordinate & Payment

• Once scheduled, let us know so we can confirm the day and time with the seller’s Realtor.
• Bring a checkbook or credit card to pay the inspector (payment methods vary by inspector).