Home Buyer

10 Common Questions About Home Inspections (And Why They Matter)

By Stephanie Goedl
May 21, 2025

When buying a home, there’s a lot to think about—offers, appraisals, escrow, and inspections. For many buyers, the home inspection process can feel like just another box to check. But it’s one of the most important steps in protecting your investment and making sure you’re fully informed about the property you’re purchasing.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or just need a refresher, here are 10 common questions about home inspections—and why they matter.

1. What is a home inspection, and do I really need one?

A home inspection is a professional evaluation of a property’s condition, typically done before finalizing a home purchase. Even if the house looks perfect, an inspection can reveal hidden issues that could cost thousands down the line, making it a wise investment for peace of mind.

2. What does a home inspection include?

Most inspections cover the home’s major systems and components, including the roof, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, foundation, attic, and appliances. After the inspection, you’ll receive a detailed report outlining any concerns, defects, or areas that might need attention.

3. What will it cost?

Costs can vary depending on the size, age, and location of the property, but most home inspections cost between $400 and $700. Although it may feel like an added expense, it’s a small price to pay for the valuable insights it provides.

4. Why can’t I do it myself?

Even if you’re handy, only a certified home inspector has the training, tools, and experience to identify structural, mechanical, and safety issues that may not be visible to the average buyer. Their objective report is crucial to making an informed decision.

5. Can a house fail a home inspection?

Not exactly. An inspection doesn’t result in a “pass” or “fail”—instead, it offers a snapshot of the home’s condition. It’s up to the buyer to decide how to move forward based on the findings.

6. How do I find a home inspector?

Your real estate agent can recommend trusted inspectors they’ve worked with. You can also search online or check professional organizations like ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors) or InterNACHI for qualified professionals.

7. When do I call a home inspector?

Once your offer is accepted, you’ll schedule a home inspection during your contingency or due diligence period. Time is usually limited, so acting quickly is best to keep things moving forward.

8. Do I have to be there?

You’re not required to attend the inspection, but it’s highly recommended. Walking through the property with the inspector lets you ask questions in real time and see any potential issues firsthand.

9. What if the report reveals problems?

Almost every home has a few issues—it’s completely normal. Depending on what’s found, you may be able to negotiate with the seller for repairs, credits, or a price reduction. Your agent will help guide you through those conversations.

10. If the house is in good condition, did I need an inspection?

Yes! A clean report offers peace of mind and can help you plan for future maintenance. It’s reassurance that you’re making a sound investment—and that’s always worth it.

Final Thoughts

A home inspection isn’t just another step in the home-buying process—it’s a powerful tool that helps protect you from unexpected surprises. With the right inspector and guidance from your real estate agent, you’ll be in a much better position to move forward with confidence. At Century 21 Discovery, our agents are here to help you every step of the way.

About the author: Stephanie Goedl is Chief Operating Officer and Broker/Owner of CENTURY 21 Discovery. If you are interested in becoming part of the CENTURY 21 Discovery team or would like more information about our services we provide contact us at 714.626.2069 or Careers@C21Discovery.com.

Are You Ready for the Spring Selling Season?

By Joe Lins
March 21, 2025

Spring has traditionally been the time of year when the real estate market heats up. That was until COVID hit, and since then the last few springs have been anything but typical. Fortunately, 2025 looks to be a return to the traditional spring selling season, where more sellers are ready to put their homes on the market, and buyers are eager to make a move.

As a real estate agent, you need to be prepared to hit the ground running as the weather warms up. The spring market moves fast, and the agents who are best prepared will have a competitive edge. Here are some key steps to get you and your clients ready for a successful Spring Selling Season.

Reach Out to Sellers

Many homeowners have been hesitant to list their homes due to market uncertainties. Now is the time to reconnect with those sellers who have been on the fence.

Update Their Home Valuation – Provide an updated Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to reflect the latest market conditions. Show them how their home compares to recent sales and active listings.
Refresh the Net Sheet – Give sellers an updated estimate of their potential net proceeds. Knowing their bottom line can be a powerful motivator to move forward.
Help Them Prepare – Offer guidance on home preparation, from decluttering to deep cleaning. Connect them with trusted vendors such as painters, landscapers, stagers, and handyman services to maximize their home’s appeal.
Boost Curb Appeal – Remind sellers that first impressions matter. Encourage them to spruce up their landscaping, paint the front door, and make minor repairs to create a welcoming entryway.

Additionally, set realistic expectations regarding pricing, marketing strategies, and timeline. Some sellers may not be aware of the nuances in pricing a home, so it’s essential to educate them on current trends.

Get Your Buyers Pre-Approved

With more buyers entering the market, competition will increase. Ensuring your buyers are financially prepared will give them a stronger position when making offers.

Confirm Pre-Approval Status – Some buyers may have been pre-approved months ago, and their financial situation or interest rates may have changed. Encourage them to get an updated pre-approval with a reputable lender.
Educate on Financial Do’s and Don’ts – Remind buyers not to make any large purchases, change jobs, or take on new debt before closing on their home. These actions can affect their loan approval.
Clarify Their Home Criteria – Work with your buyers to identify their non-negotiables versus their wish list. This will help them move quickly when the right home comes along.
Set Up Listing Alerts – Ensure your buyers receive real-time notifications when homes that match their criteria hit the market. In a competitive season, speed is crucial.
Network with Other Agents – Let your colleagues know what your buyers are looking for. Off-market or coming-soon listings might be a great match.

Get Your Checklists Ready

Having a well-organized system will save you time and keep your transactions running smoothly.

Listing Checklist – Review your process for onboarding new listings. Ensure you have a step-by-step guide that includes pricing strategy discussions, marketing plans, and open house scheduling.
Buyer Checklist – Streamline your buyer onboarding process. Have a clear roadmap that outlines financial steps, home tours, offer strategies, and next steps after escrow opens.
Marketing Materials – Update your digital and print marketing materials, including social media graphics, email templates, and flyers, to reflect the spring market.
Vendor List – Keep a list of trusted vendors ready to share with clients, from inspectors to moving companies. Being a one-stop resource enhances your value as an agent.

Watch Your Business Bloom

The spring selling season moves quickly, and the most prepared agents will thrive. By proactively reaching out to sellers, ensuring buyers are financially ready, and fine-tuning your systems, you’ll set yourself up for a busy and successful season.

Are you ready to make this your best spring yet? Start today, and watch your business bloom!

About the author: Joe Lins is President, CEO and Co-owner of CENTURY 21 Discovery. If you are interested in becoming part of the CENTURY 21 Discovery team or would like more information about our services, training and coaching we provide, contact Joe at 714.626.2069.

Pre-Qualified vs. Pre-Approved: Which is Better for your Buyer?

By Joe Lins
August 21, 2024

In the home buying process, having your buyers understand the difference between being pre-qualified and pre-approved can significantly impact their ability to secure the home of their dreams. While both terms are often used interchangeably, they represent different levels of financial readiness and influence how seriously sellers will consider their offer.

During a recent episode of Market Matters, I talked with Ryan World from World Mortgage Group about this topic. Here’s what your clients need to know about pre-qualification and pre-approval and why one might be better for them in today’s real estate market.

Ryan World and Joe Lins – Market Matters Interview

What is Pre-Qualification?

Pre-qualification is often the first step in the mortgage process. It involves a simple, informal conversation between the buyer and the lender. According to Ryan World, this step gives them a basic idea of what the buyer might be able to borrow based on the information provided, such as income, assets, and debts. However, it’s important to note that pre-qualification doesn’t involve any formal verification of their financial status.

“Pre-qualification is just a verbal conversation,” says World. “I’m not a huge fan of it because it doesn’t give me everything I need to figure out how high of a sales price they qualify for or what loan programs they qualify for.” In essence, pre-qualification is an estimate—it’s helpful for getting a rough idea of their buying power but lacks the certainty that a more formal process would provide.

What is Pre-Approval?

On the other hand, pre-approval is a much more thorough process. It involves a detailed review of the applicant’s financial situation, including a credit check, verification of income and assets, and a more in-depth assessment of the applicant’s ability to repay the loan. This process results in a pre-approval letter, which the applicant can present to sellers as proof that they are a serious and qualified buyer.

“Pre-approval is much stronger,” explains World. “I look at their income documents, I look at their asset documents, and then we sit down and go over what they qualify for. This is all accurate stuff.”

Having a pre-approval letter in hand gives them the confidence to make offers and makes that offer more attractive to sellers. This can be the difference between securing the home they want and losing out to another buyer in competitive markets.

Why Pre-Approval is Often the Better Choice

When it comes to buying a home, pre-approval is typically the better option. As World points out, sellers are more likely to favor buyers who have been pre-approved because it shows that they are financially prepared to make a serious offer. Without pre-approval, they may struggle to compete against other buyers who have taken this step.

Moreover, pre-approval allows them to act quickly when they find the right property. Instead of waiting to go through the approval process after making an offer, they can move forward with confidence, knowing that their financing is already in place.

Final Thoughts

At Century 21 Discovery, we place a strong emphasis on strategy. Whether your clients are buying now or planning for the future, getting them pre-approved should be a key part of their homebuying strategy. It strengthens their offer and gives them peace of mind, knowing exactly where they stand financially.

If your client is considering purchasing a home in the next year, it’s never too early to get them pre-approved. If you need to connect them with a trusted lender, I highly recommend Ryan World and his team at World Mortgage Group. Here’s their contact info: Ryan World: 714-569-3636 Ext. 2