When you’re excited about buying your dream home in Colorado Springs, it’s easy to get caught up in the beautiful kitchen, spacious backyard, or stunning mountain views. However, what lies beneath the surface could significantly impact your investment and future happiness. In this blog post, Colorado Springs real estate expert Barb Schlinker discusses why home inspections are crucial for protecting your investment and ensuring you make an informed buying decision.
Key Takeaways:
- Home inspections reveal hidden problems that aren’t visible during casual walkthroughs
- In Colorado, home inspectors aren’t required to be licensed, making it crucial to work with experienced professionals
- Inspection findings can provide valuable negotiating leverage for repairs or price adjustments
- Even new construction homes benefit from professional inspections
Understanding the True Value of Home Inspections
A home inspection is more than just a routine checkbox in the buying process—it’s your first line of defense against potentially costly surprises. When purchasing a property in Colorado Springs, where homes can range from historic buildings to new construction in areas like Flying Horse or Peregrine, understanding the property’s true condition is essential.
“It is a really good idea to do a home inspection before you buy a house – even if you are buying a new home. But did you know that in the state of Colorado, there is no license to be a home inspector? Most buyers rely on their agents to ‘recommend’ an inspector. If you are not sure, I recommend asking people in that specific trade to evaluate the system.” – Colorado Springs real estate expert Barb Schlinker
This lack of regulation makes it crucial to work with an experienced real estate agent who can recommend trusted inspection professionals. While most inspectors are thorough, they may not be experts in specific systems, which is why consulting specialists for certain concerns can be valuable.
Critical Issues That Inspections Can Uncover
Home inspections go beyond surface-level observations to identify potential problems that could affect your safety and finances. Professional inspectors examine:
- Structural integrity and foundation issues
- Electrical system safety and compliance
- HVAC system efficiency and condition
- Roof damage and remaining lifespan
- Plumbing system functionality
- Potential mold or water damage
- Safety hazards requiring immediate attention
An experienced inspector can spot issues that might not be apparent during regular viewings, helping you avoid costly surprises after purchase.
What to Fix vs. What to Accept
While Colorado state contracts specify homes are sold “as-is, where is and with all faults,” certain issues deserve immediate attention:
- Roofs with significant hail damage
- Failed systems (furnaces, water heaters)
- Federal Pacific Electric Panels (common in Colorado Springs and known fire hazards)
- Major structural issues
- Water source and plumbing problems
Not every issue requires immediate action. Some considerations:
- Cosmetic issues can often wait
- Normal wear and tear is expected
- Some concerns can be covered by a home warranty
- Expensive improvements like electrical panel replacements may be negotiable
Choosing the Right Agent for Inspection Guidance
The role of your real estate agent during inspections is crucial. Some agents might:
- Try to find excessive faults to appear expert
- Influence you to reject a home you love
- Pressure you to overlook serious issues to close the sale
The key is finding an agent who balances protecting your interests with practical advice about what issues truly matter.
The Power of Inspection in Negotiations
A thorough inspection report provides valuable leverage during the negotiation process. Whether you’re buying in established neighborhoods like Rockrimmon or newer developments in Meridian Ranch, understanding the property’s condition helps you make informed decisions about:
- Requesting necessary repairs before closing
- Negotiating a fair price adjustment based on findings
- Determining whether to proceed with the purchase
- Planning for future maintenance and upgrades
Real-Life Inspection Nightmares and How to Avoid Them
Barb shares a cautionary tale from her experience:
“I listed a home recently in which the client previously purchased the home sight unseen. After they owned the home, they discovered significant issues they had to later fix and one they could not fix – it had no water source. They had to have water delivered. When they went to sell it, this issue caused the house to sit on the market for months and months, ultimately the sale did not go through.“
This real example demonstrates why thorough inspections are crucial before purchase, even if you’re feeling pressure in a competitive market.
Why Choose Barb Schlinker for Your Colorado Springs Home Purchase
When it comes to navigating the home inspection process in Colorado Springs, experience and expertise matter. Barb Schlinker brings unique qualifications that set her apart:
- Navy Veteran with intelligence field experience, bringing attention to detail and thoroughness to every transaction
- Host of “Your Real Estate Voice” radio show, demonstrating deep market knowledge and industry expertise
- Track record of selling homes 60% faster and for up to 8.1% more money than market average
- Extensive network of trusted professionals, including vetted home inspectors and trade specialists
- Deep understanding of Colorado Springs’ unique housing market and common property issues
- Guaranteed Sale Program and VIP Buyer Satisfaction Guarantee for peace of mind
- Dedicated team of experts serving Colorado Springs and surrounding communities
Professional’s Perspective: Avoiding Inspection Pitfalls
Barb’s experience has shown that the right approach to inspections can prevent significant problems. For instance, one recent listing involved a home purchased sight unseen, where the buyers later discovered they had no water source—an issue that could have been identified through proper inspection. This example underscores the importance of thorough due diligence before purchase.
Call Barb Schlinker for Expert Home Buying Guidance
Ready to buy a home in Colorado Springs? Don’t navigate the inspection process alone. Call or text Barb Schlinker at 719-301-1802 for professional guidance and access to trusted inspection resources. With decades of experience in the Colorado Springs real estate market and a commitment to protecting her clients’ interests, Barb ensures you make informed decisions throughout your home buying journey.
Frequently Asked Question
Yes, absolutely. Even new homes can have construction defects or oversight issues. Barb Schlinker recommends inspections for all properties, including new construction. An inspection can verify that contractors completed work correctly and identify any potential issues before they become problems. Many builders offer a warranty period, and identifying issues during inspection allows you to address them while still under warranty.
When significant issues are discovered during an inspection, you have several options. The state contract says homes are sold “as-is,” but major problems like failed systems, significant hail damage, or safety hazards like Federal Pacific Electric Panels can often be negotiated. You might request repairs, ask for a price reduction, or, in severe cases like missing essential utilities, reconsider the purchase. Working with an experienced agent like Barb helps you understand which issues are truly significant and how to negotiate them effectively.
