How Important Are Home Inspections, and What Should I Watch Out For?

Imagine this: you’ve just fallen in love with a charming home in Mt. Washington. The price is right, the layout’s perfect — but before you pop the champagne, there’s one more crucial step: the home inspection.

Inspections are your safety net. They uncover what the eye can’t see — from foundation cracks to hidden water damage. In older Cincinnati neighborhoods, common issues include roof wear, aged HVAC systems, and foundation settling due to our seasonal freeze-thaw cycles.

A good inspector will examine the roof, structure, electrical system, plumbing, and major appliances. They’ll also look for red flags like mold, pest damage, or poor drainage. The goal isn’t to scare you — it’s to help you make an informed decision and potentially renegotiate repairs or pricing.

Even new homes can have surprises. That’s why hiring a qualified local inspector is key. They know the quirks of Cincinnati’s housing stock — like historic wiring, clay drain pipes, and basement moisture challenges.

Treat the inspection as an investment, not an expense. Spending a few hundred dollars today could save you thousands tomorrow.

In real estate, surprises are fun when it’s the view from your new deck — not when it’s a leaking roof you didn’t see coming.

Presented by Tanya Roesel, Comey & Shepherd Realtors 513-678-5001 | tanya.roesel@comey.com