Home Inspections for Buyers


Protecting Your Investment Before You Buy

A home inspection is one of the most important steps in buying a home. It reveals the true condition of the property—beyond what you can see during a showing—and gives you the information needed to make an informed decision.

 

In Texas, your option period (typically 7-10 days) is your window to conduct inspections, review findings, and decide how to proceed. Understanding this process helps you protect your investment and avoid costly surprises after closing.

Why Home Inspections Matter



What You Can't See During a Showing


Even well-maintained homes can have hidden issues:

▪️Foundation problems beneath the surface
▪️Roof damage not visible from ground level
▪️Plumbing leaks behind walls
▪️Electrical deficiencies and code violations
▪️HVAC systems nearing end of life
▪️Drainage issues that only appear during heavy rain
▪️Pest damage or active infestations
▪️Attic insulation and ventilation problems

 

A professional inspection uncovers these issues BEFORE you're committed to the purchase.

The Texas Option Period

How It Works


When you submit an offer, you negotiate an option period—typically 7-10 days. During this time:

▪️You pay the seller a small option fee ($100-$500)
▪️You have the unrestricted right to terminate for ANY reason
▪️If you terminate, you lose only the option fee (earnest money is refunded)
▪️This is your due diligence window for inspections and research


Why This Matters


The option period protects you. If inspections reveal significant problems, you can:

▪️Negotiate repairs or credits with the seller
▪️Terminate the contract and walk away (losing only the option fee)
▪️Accept the property as-is with full knowledge of its condition


Once the option period expires, terminating becomes more complicated and may cost you your earnest money.

 

Types of Inspections

General Home Inspection (Essential)


A licensed inspector evaluates the overall condition of the property:

✅Structure & Foundation – Cracks, settling, moisture intrusion, structural integrity
✅Roof – Age, condition, damage, remaining life expectancy
✅Exterior – Siding, windows, doors, drainage, grading
✅Plumbing – Pipes, fixtures, water heater, water pressure, leaks
✅Electrical – Panel, wiring, outlets, safety issues, code compliance
✅HVAC – Heating and cooling systems, age, condition, functionality
✅Interior – Walls, ceilings, floors, doors, windows
✅Attic – Insulation, ventilation, structure, signs of leaks or pests
✅Appliances – Basic functionality of included appliances

 

Cost: $400-$600 depending on home size

 

Duration: 2-4 hours

 

 

Additional Specialized Inspections

Depending on the property, we may recommend:

 

Foundation Inspection

Performed by a structural engineer if the general inspection reveals concerns. Essential for San Antonio's expansive clay soil. ($300-$500)

 

Sewer Scope

Camera inspection of sewer lines from house to street. Identifies cracks, root intrusion, bellies, or blockages. Highly recommended for older homes. ($150-$250)

 

Pool/Spa Inspection

Evaluates pool equipment, surfaces, decking, and safety features. ($150-$300)

 

Termite/Pest Inspection (WDI)

Wood-destroying insect inspection. Often required by lenders. Identifies active infestations and damage. ($75-$150)

 

Well & Septic Inspection

For properties not on city water/sewer. Tests water quality and septic system function. ($300-$600)

 

Mold Testing

Air quality and surface testing if mold is suspected. ($300-$500)

 

Radon Testing

Tests for radon gas levels, though radon is less common in San Antonio than other regions. ($150-$200)

 

Roof Certification

Detailed roof inspection with estimated remaining life, often required for insurance or older roofs. ($100-$250)

 

 

What to Expect on Inspection Day

Before the Inspection:
▪️Inspection scheduled within first few days of option period
▪️You're encouraged to attend (at least the final walkthrough)
▪️Inspector needs access to all areas (attic, crawlspaces, electrical panel, etc.)


During the Inspection:
▪️Inspector systematically evaluates all accessible areas
▪️Takes photos documenting findings
▪️Tests systems and appliances
▪️Notes safety concerns and deficiencies
▪️Duration: 2-4 hours depending on home size and condition


Your Role:
▪️Ask questions as the inspector works
▪️Take your own notes and photos
▪️Focus on major systems, not cosmetic issues
▪️Learn about the home's maintenance needs

 

After the Inspection:
▪️Written report delivered within 24-48 hours
▪️Includes photos, findings, and recommendations

▪️We review together and discuss significance of findings

▪️Decide on next steps: negotiate, accept as-is, or terminate

 

Understanding Your Inspection Report

Not All Findings Are Equal
Inspection reports can be lengthy and overwhelming. We help you distinguish between:

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Home Inspections on Your San Antonio Home with Tami Price

Major Concerns (Negotiate or Reconsider)

▪️Foundation issues requiring repair
▪️Roof replacement needed
▪️Major plumbing or electrical problems
▪️HVAC system failure
▪️Active water intrusion
▪️Safety hazards
▪️Structural deficiencies

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Home Inspections on Your San Antonio Home with Tami Price

Moderate Issues (Negotiate If Appropriate)

▪️Aging systems nearing end of life
▪️Deferred maintenance items
▪️Code updates needed
▪️Minor foundation movement
▪️Drainage improvements needed

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Home Inspections on Your San Antonio Home with Tami Price

Minor/Maintenance Items (Typically Not Negotiated)

▪️Cosmetic issues
▪️Normal wear and tear
▪️Minor repairs any homeowner would handle
▪️Maintenance recommendations
▪️Items within normal expectations for home's age

 

Focus on significant issues that affect safety, structure, and major systems—not every item on a 50-page report.

Negotiating After Inspections

Your Options


Request Repairs

Ask the seller to fix specific items before closing. Best for clear-cut repairs by licensed professionals (roof repair, plumbing fix, electrical correction).

 

Request Credit

Ask the seller to provide a credit at closing so you can handle repairs yourself. Gives you control over contractors and quality. Often preferred over seller repairs.

 

Reduce Purchase Price

Negotiate a lower price to account for needed repairs or system replacement. Less common but appropriate for major issues.

 

Accept As-Is

Proceed with full knowledge of the property's condition. Appropriate when issues are minor or already reflected in the price.

 

Terminate

Walk away during the option period, forfeiting only the option fee. Appropriate when issues are too significant or costly.

 

Home Inspections on Your San Antonio Home with Tami Price

What's Reasonable to Request:

✅ Safety hazards
✅ Major system failures
✅ Active leaks or water intrusion
✅ Foundation repairs
✅ Roof repairs
✅ Code violations
✅ Issues the seller failed to disclose

Home Inspections on Your San Antonio Home with Tami Price

What's Typically NOT Negotiated:

❌ Cosmetic issues
❌ Normal wear for the home's age
❌ Maintenance items
❌ Minor imperfections
❌ Upgrades or improvements
❌ Items visible during your showing

 

San Antonio-Specific Considerations

Expansive Clay Soil
San Antonio's soil expands and contracts significantly with moisture changes. This causes foundation movement in most homes. Signs to watch for:

▪️Cracks in walls, especially around doors and windows
▪️Doors that stick or don't close properly
▪️Uneven floors
▪️Cracks in exterior brick or foundation


Some movement is normal. Significant issues require professional engineering evaluation.

 

Older Plumbing
Homes built before the 1980s may have galvanized steel pipes that corrode over time. Cast iron sewer lines in older homes can deteriorate. Sewer scope inspections are especially valuable for homes 30+ years old.

 

HVAC Demands
San Antonio summers are brutal on AC systems. An aging system may function during inspection but struggle under peak summer demand. We note system age and condition as part of our evaluation.

 

Roof Age & Hail Damage
Texas weather includes periodic hailstorms. Roof age, condition, and any previous hail claims affect both value and insurability. Some insurance companies won't cover older roofs.

 

Choosing a Home Inspector

What to Look For


✅Licensed by Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC)
✅Experienced with San Antonio homes and common issues
✅Thorough, detailed reports with photos
✅Willing to explain findings and answer questions
✅Available within your option period timeline


We'll Connect You with Trusted Inspectors:
We work with experienced, thorough inspectors who know San Antonio homes.

 

We'll advise when to coordinate scheduling to ensure inspections happen promptly during your option period.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How much does a home inspection cost?

A. A general home inspection costs $400-$600 depending on home size. Specialized inspections (foundation, sewer scope, pool) add $100-$500 each. Total inspection costs typically run $500-$1,000—a worthwhile investment protecting a major purchase.

 

Q. Should I attend the home inspection?

A. Yes, if possible. Attending helps you understand the home's condition, learn about maintenance needs, and ask questions directly. At minimum, join for the final hour when the inspector reviews findings.

 

Q. What if the inspection reveals major problems?

A. You have options: negotiate repairs or credits, reduce the purchase price, accept as-is, or terminate during your option period. We'll advise you based on the significance of findings and your specific situation.

 

Q. Can I use my own inspector?

A. Absolutely. You choose your inspector. We can recommend trusted professionals, but the decision is yours.

 

Q. What's the difference between inspection issues and deal-breakers?

A. Every home has inspection findings. Deal-breakers are major issues that significantly affect value, safety, or livability—and can't be reasonably addressed through negotiation. Most inspection findings fall into the "negotiate or accept" category.

 

Q. Do new construction homes need inspections?

A. Yes. New doesn't mean perfect. Construction defects happen regularly. New construction inspections (including pre-drywall) catch issues while the builder is still obligated to fix them.

 

REVIEWS

Abujor 143

Tami Price, Realtor provided an exceptional experience from beginning to end! She was professional, knowledgeable, and truly dedicated to helping me achieve the best results. Her communication was clear and timely, making the entire process smooth and stress-free. Tami’s attention to detail and commitment to client satisfaction really stood out. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for a reliable and outstanding real estate professional!

C Smythe

We cannot say enough amazing things about Tami Price—she truly made our entire home-buying experience unforgettable in the best way possible! From day one, Tami made us feel like we were her only clients. Her level of attention, care, and dedication is unmatched. No matter how busy she was, she always made time for us—and we mean always. She was incredibly responsive, answering calls, texts, and emails quickly… even while she was on vacation or actively selling other homes. That kind of commitment is rare. What really sets Tami apart is her incredible team. From the very first home search all the way to closing, everything was seamless. Every step of the process felt organized, supported, and stress-free because of the systems and people she has in place. Tami is also a true specialist when it comes to relocating military families, especially those approaching retirement. She was extremely informative and knowledgeable about the entire transition process, helping us understand what to expect and guiding us with confidence every step of the way. Her experience in this area made a huge difference for us and gave us so much peace of mind. Another thing we absolutely loved is how Tami answers questions. She doesn’t just give generic responses—she shares real-life stories and experiences that actually help you understand what to expect. It made us feel confident and informed in every decision we made. And her website? Amazing. It’s interactive, detailed, and packed with information—honestly, it answers questions you didn’t even know you had. But even with all that, Tami still takes the time to personally answer anything and everything. Her network is just as impressive as she is. The inspector she recommended, Kurt Jefferies, was absolutely amazing—thorough, professional, and made the entire inspection process easy, even while we were in another state. We also had a fantastic experience with Jesse Segova from Perry Homes. He was top-notch—kind, patient, and worked seamlessly with Tami. He went above and beyond, taking us to countless homes and even giving his time on his day off. That level of dedication did not go unnoticed. It was also a pleasure having Tami’s son join us during showings—he was easy to talk to, pointed out important differences between homes, and brought a fresh, helpful perspective. You can already tell he is in the making of an excellent realtor, following right in Tami’s footsteps. Closing was just as smooth and enjoyable thanks to Paula McGee, who made everything easy to understand. What could have been a stressful experience turned into one filled with laughter and confidence because of her professionalism and personality. And we cannot forget Nickolas Russo with Parkstone Mortgage. He and his team delivered exactly what they promised—closing us on the precise timeline provided and securing us an incredibly low rate within our price range. That level of execution and reliability is priceless. On top of all that, Tami has an incredible network of trusted local connections and resources—from lawn care to water softener companies and everything in between. Having access to those recommendations made settling into our new home so much easier. You can absolutely trust Tami, her team, and every one of her referrals. If you’re looking for a realtor who is responsive, knowledgeable, connected, and genuinely cares about you, Tami Price is the one. We would choose her again a hundred times over!

csmythe910

We cannot say enough amazing things about Tami Price—she truly made our entire home-buying experience unforgettable in the best way possible!From day one, Tami made us feel like we were her only clients. Her level of attention, care, and dedication is unmatched. No matter how busy she was, she always made time for us—and we mean always. She was incredibly responsive, answering calls, texts, and emails quickly… even while she was on vacation or actively selling other homes. That kind of commitment is rare.What really sets Tami apart is her incredible team. From the very first home search all the way to closing, everything was seamless. Every step of the process felt organized, supported, and stress-free because of the systems and people she has in place.Tami is also a true specialist when it comes to relocating military families, especially those approaching retirement. She was extremely informative and knowledgeable about the entire transition process, helping us understand what to expect and guiding us with confidence every step of the way. Her experience in this area made a huge difference for us and gave us so much peace of mind.Another thing we absolutely loved is how Tami answers questions. She doesn’t just give generic responses—she shares real-life stories and experiences that actually help you understand what to expect. It made us feel confident and informed in every decision we made.And her website? Amazing. It’s interactive, detailed, and packed with information—honestly, it answers questions you didn’t even know you had. But even with all that, Tami still takes the time to personally answer anything and everything.Her network is just as impressive as she is. The inspector she recommended, Kurt Jefferies, was absolutely amazing—thorough, professional, and made the entire inspection process easy, even while we were in another state.We also had a fantastic experience with Jesse Segova from Perry Homes. He was top-notch—kind, patient, and worked seamlessly with Tami. He went above and beyond, taking us to countless homes and even giving his time on his day off. That level of dedication did not go unnoticed.It was also a pleasure having Tami’s son join us during showings—he was easy to talk to, pointed out important differences between homes, and brought a fresh, helpful perspective. You can already tell he is in the making of an excellent realtor, following right in Tami’s footsteps.Closing was just as smooth and enjoyable thanks to Paula McGee, who made everything easy to understand. What could have been a stressful experience turned into one filled with laughter and confidence because of her professionalism and personality.And we cannot forget Nickolas Russo with Parkstone Mortgage. He and his team delivered exactly what they promised—closing us on the precise timeline provided and securing us an incredibly low rate within our price range. That level of execution and reliability is priceless.On top of all that, Tami has an incredible network of trusted local connections and resources—from lawn care to water softener companies and everything in between. Having access to those recommendations made settling into our new home so much easier.You can absolutely trust Tami, her team, and every one of her referrals. If you’re looking for a realtor who is responsive, knowledgeable, connected, and genuinely cares about you, Tami Price is the one. We would choose her again a hundred times over!
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