Once your offer is accepted, the home inspection is the most important step between “offer” and “ownership.” It’s where you learn exactly what you’re buying—and where small surprises can save you big headaches later.
In Lubbock, home inspections typically take place within the first week of the option period. A licensed inspector walks through every accessible part of the property, documenting current conditions, safety issues, and maintenance needs.
Here’s what’s covered in a standard inspection:
Roof & Exterior: Age, materials, and visible damage.
Foundation: Signs of movement or settling—common in West Texas soil.
Electrical & Plumbing Systems: Functionality, code compliance, and leaks.
HVAC: Performance, age, and potential repair needs.
Attic & Insulation: Ventilation, moisture, and energy efficiency.
Interior Details: Walls, windows, doors, appliances, and fixtures.
A good inspector doesn’t just hand you a report—they walk you through their findings. Expect a detailed PDF (usually 40–60 pages) with labeled photos, recommendations, and urgency levels for each item.
Here’s what I tell my clients: Every inspection finds something. Even new homes. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s perspective. You’re buying a house, not a time capsule.
After reviewing the report, we decide which issues are worth negotiating. Major system repairs (like HVAC, roof, or foundation) can justify asking for seller repairs or credits. Cosmetic fixes—like a sticky door or chipped paint—usually aren’t worth the delay.
In some cases, I bring in specialists—plumbers, roofers, or foundation experts—to confirm findings. It’s part of making sure your decisions are based on facts, not fear.
If the results feel overwhelming, remember: inspection reports look scarier than they are. They’re meant to identify every small detail, not suggest your dream home is falling apart.
Once you’re comfortable with the condition—or terms of repair—we move forward confidently past the option period.
In Lubbock, most inspection-driven negotiations wrap up in a few days, keeping deals on track while protecting buyers from hidden surprises.
I stay closely involved during this phase, translating the technical into the practical—so you know what matters now, what can wait, and what’s worth negotiating.
Because the goal isn’t to find a flawless home—it’s to make a flawless decision.
— Insights from Tess Hernandez, Realtor | Reside Real Estate
You walked into a new construction community, saw the price sheet, and immediately wondered why there is no room to negotiate the way you would with a resale home. Her… Read more
You came home to find every light in the house blazing, the back door unlocked, and the garage door wide open. Nobody stayed behind on purpose. They just left without … Read more
The showing was booked for two buyers. Eight people walked through the door. Grandma, the dog, three kids, a friend just tagging along, and two people nobody introduce… Read more
The showing was scheduled for two o'clock. They pulled up at one forty while you were still loading the dog in the car. Or they were still inside at three fifteen when… Read more
Bouncing on the beds. Opening the fridge. Running through the house in muddy shoes. You cleaned for hours and a buyer's kids undid it in fifteen minutes while the pare… Read more
The house next door has junk in the yard, a dog that barks through every showing, or an owner who seems personally invested in making your sale as difficult as possibl… Read more
Some of it is legitimate due diligence. Some of it is just snooping. Here is where the line actually is, what sellers should do to protect their personal items before … Read more
You left your home spotless for the showing and came home to find out a buyer spent the whole time out loud criticizing the paint color, the layout, and the kitchen. H… Read more
You have done everything right. Your side of the transaction is ready to close. And your entire timeline is being held hostage by a lender on the buyer's side who will… Read more
Get assistance in determining current property value, crafting a competitive offer, writing and negotiating a contract, and much more. Contact me today.