Top 5 Mistakes First-Time Homebuyers Make During Home Inspections

Jose Lopez Santiago
May 11
2 min read

By Jose Lopez, Certified Professional Inspector – L7 Home Inspections

Buying your first home is exciting—but it can also be overwhelming. At L7 Home Inspections, we’ve worked with many first-time homebuyers across Bell County, Temple, Belton, Killeen, and surrounding Central Texas areas. One of the most critical steps in your real estate journey is the home inspection, yet it’s also one of the most misunderstood.

To help you make a confident and informed decision, we’ve compiled the top five mistakes first-time homebuyers make during home inspections—and how to avoid them.

1. ❌ Skipping the Inspection Altogether

In a competitive market, some buyers are tempted to waive the home inspection to make their offer more appealing. But this is risky. Even new or recently renovated homes can have hidden issues with plumbing, roofing, electrical systems, or foundation.

Local Tip: Here in Central Texas, soil movement, humidity, and storm damage are common—making inspections especially important.

2. ❌ Choosing the Cheapest Inspector

Not all inspectors are created equal. Some buyers choose the cheapest option without checking certifications, experience, or reviews.

What to Look For:

TREC-licensed inspector (Texas Real Estate Commission)
InterNACHI Certified Professional Inspector (CPI®)
Experience with local conditions and building codes

👉 At L7 Home Inspections, we bring over 25 years of inspection and construction experience in Central Texas.

3. ❌ Not Attending the Inspection

Your presence at the inspection allows you to ask questions and get real-time explanations. You’ll learn how your systems work and better understand your future maintenance needs.

Local Insight: We encourage all our clients to walk through the inspection with us—it’s a great learning opportunity.

4. ❌ Ignoring the Inspector’s Report

Homebuyers sometimes receive the report but fail to read it thoroughly or act on its recommendations.

What You Should Do:

Review the report in detail
Ask follow-up questions
Use it as a negotiating tool or to plan repairs

Our reports include clear photos, descriptions, and prioritized issues—delivered within 24 to 48 hours.

5. ❌ Assuming the Inspection Covers Everything

A general home inspection covers visible, accessible components—but it’s not exhaustive. Some areas require specialized inspections, like:

Sewer Scope Inspections
WDI (Termite) Inspections

✅ At L7 Home Inspections, we offer these additional services to give you a more complete picture of your potential home.

✔️ Avoid These Mistakes with the Right Inspector

The best way to protect your investment is by hiring a certified, experienced home inspector who puts your interests first.

At L7 Home Inspections, we proudly serve Belton, Temple, Killeen, Fort Cavazos, Bell County, and surrounding counties with honest, thorough inspections that empower first-time buyers.