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What Should You Expect Before, During, and After a Home Inspection?

Louisiana REALTORS • March 7, 2019

One of the most important parts of the home buying process is the inspection. You’ve finally found that perfect place. The location and the layout are everything that you’ve hoped for, but now you need to make sure there aren’t any surprises waiting for you after you leave the closing table. This is where a home inspection comes in.


What is a Home Inspection?

A home inspection is an in-the-field evaluation of a home based on the professional opinion regarding the performance and status of the home’s structures and systems. An inspection is used to identify areas that are deficient, unsafe, or in need of replacement. 


How Do You Find a Home Inspector?

As the homebuyer, it should be up to you to select the inspector. Your REALTOR® can be a valuable resource in selecting an experienced, qualified home inspector. As a knowledgeable real estate professional, REALTORS® have a vast network of connections in all facets of the real estate sector. By working first hand with certain inspectors, your REALTOR® understands their reputation, thoroughness, and expertise. 


What Happens During a Home Inspection?

Your home inspector will take a few hours to walk through the home, assessing it top to bottom. The physical structure of the home will be assessed, as well as its mechanical and electrical systems, including:

  • Roof
  • Doors
  • Windows
  • Ceilings
  • Walls
  • Floors
  • Attic
  • Plumbing
  • HVAC
  • And more


All of the observations will be noted in the inspection report, concluding with an opinion on the overall condition of the home. 


What Happens After a Home Inspection?

Once the inspection is complete you and your REALTOR® will have valuable information to make the best decision going forward. It will also make it possible for you to make the purchase contingent upon any necessary repairs, replacements, or updates being made to the home by the seller. The home inspection is a crucial part of negotiating the final sale price of the home.





Louisiana State Board of Home Inspectors - Inspect Before You Buy

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Consumer Guide Update: Homeowners Associations

By Louisiana REALTORS® • March 21, 2025
As previewed last week, NAR is pleased to share the latest consumer guide focused on homeowners associations (HOAs). This guide covers the basics of what prospective buyers need to know, including who runs HOAs, how monthly fees are applied, rules HOAs enforce, and the pros and cons of living in an HOA community. For additional information, we encourage you to check out this REALTOR® Magazine article on the nuances of how homeowners associations can affect real estate transactions. As a reminder, all guides in this series are available for download—in both English and Spanish—on facts.realtor . Please allow a few days for the Spanish version of the latest resource to be translated and uploaded. For ease of reference, below is a list of the most recent guides: NEW: Homeowners Associations Marketing Your Home Seller Disclosures Property Taxes Preparing for Homeownership Thank you for your continued engagement with the “Consumer Guide” series and for sharing the resources with prospective clients to ensure they have the information they need to find success in their homebuying or selling journey. Remember that these guides are for informational purposes only and are not meant to enact or change any existing NAR policy. Be on the lookout for next week’s guide on Wednesday, which will cover navigating multiple offers.
Louisiana Real Estate Legislation Advocacy: How REALTORS® Can Make a Difference

Louisiana Real Estate Legislation Advocacy: How REALTORS® Can Make a Difference

By Louisiana REALTORS® • March 17, 2025
Discover how REALTORS® play a key role in legislative advocacy, ensuring that real estate rules and regulations protect brokers, clients, and the market. Learn about the benefits and opportunities they provide.

Consumer Guide Update: Marketing Your Home

By Louisiana REALTORS® • March 14, 2025
As previewed last week, NAR is pleased to share the latest consumer guide focused on marketing a home. This guide covers several methods for sellers to consider, including setting up showings, hosting open houses, and maximizing the visual appeal of a home through staging and/or cosmetic updates. As a reminder, all guides in this series are available for download—in both English and Spanish—on facts.realtor . Please allow a few days for the Spanish version of the latest resource to be translated and uploaded. For ease of reference, below is a list of the most recent guides: NEW: Marketing Your Home Seller Disclosures Property Taxes Preparing for Homeownership Escrow and Earnest Money Thank you for your continued engagement with the “Consumer Guide” series and for sharing the resources with prospective clients to ensure they have the information they need to find success in their homebuying or selling journey. Remember that these guides are for informational purposes only and are not meant to enact or change any existing NAR policy. Be on the lookout for next week’s guide on Wednesday, which will cover homeowners associations.
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