Home Buyer Tips: What to Look for Before Your Inspection

Feb 3, 2021

2 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

A practical viewing checklist for home buyers in Northwest Arkansas, with questions to discuss during a professional home inspection.

Start with the property, not just the finishes

Fresh paint and attractive fixtures do not tell you everything about a home. During a viewing, note the property’s condition, ask questions and record concerns for your inspector. A viewing checklist helps you prepare; it does not replace a professional inspection.

Look around the exterior

From a safe location at ground level, look for missing roof covering, damaged gutters, peeling finishes and vegetation touching the building. Note standing water, soil sloping toward the house and downspouts that discharge close to the foundation. Conditions depend on the site, weather and construction; one symptom alone does not establish the cause.

Watch for moisture clues inside

Look for staining, peeling paint, swollen trim, musty odors and damaged flooring around kitchens, bathrooms, windows and exterior walls. Ask about past leaks, repairs and flooding. A dry stain may reflect a repaired problem or an unresolved source; further evaluation may be needed.

Ask about major systems

Request available maintenance and repair records for heating, cooling, plumbing, electrical and roofing systems. Age can help you plan questions and future expenses, but age alone does not establish that equipment has failed. Do not open electrical panels, enter unsafe spaces or operate unfamiliar equipment during a showing.

Use the inspection to make informed decisions

Share your concerns and any seller disclosures with your inspector. Review the written findings and ask which conditions need prompt attention or specialist evaluation. An inspection describes conditions observed within its scope; it is not a warranty, an appraisal or a promise that every defect will be found.

Plan your Northwest Arkansas inspection

Rhombus serves Northwest Arkansas, including Bentonville, Rogers, Bella Vista, Springdale and Fayetteville. Coordinate access and your inspection contingency dates with your agent before choosing an appointment.