You have fallen in love with the house. You made an offer and it was accepted. The next step in the process is the inspection. The report received, from the inspector has you very anxious. Take a deep breath. Before you jump to the conclusion that it is time to walk away, and find another home that is not falling apart. Remember the purpose of an inspection. The inspectors job is to find every little things that is wrong with the house and things that could go wrong in the near future. There are certainly things that the inspector might find that are deal breakers. But what are things that may not be that big a deal, that have you worried.

Let’s look at some things that the inspection report might point out that can get blown out of proportion.

Leaky faucet

A leaky faucet. This is something that should be fixed, if for no other reason that it is wasting water. It is also annoying. This is something that is typically inexpensive and easy to fix. Consider fixing after closing.

Cracked window

A small crack in a window. I am not referring to a spot that looks like a baseball went through it, but rather a small hairline crack in a window. A crack that does not affect how the window works, nor does it let cold air in. You probably will not notice it once you move in. Pick your battles and take care of this after you move in.

The roof

The roof. Inspectors have a phrase that they commonly use and that is “at the end of its useful life.” This phrase can be use to describe the roof, furnace, appliances etc. This does not mean that these items are not working, or that they need to be replaced. It is saying, rather, that you should budget for replacement of these items. If you have a major item that is near the end of its life you might asked for a credit from the seller for replacement or a home warranty that would cover the item for the first year of your ownership.

Missing GFCI outlets

The home is missing GFCI outlets. This is most common in older homes, where the electrical work was done prior to codes requiring GFCI outlets. It is not a bad idea to have GFCI outlets. They protect from electrical shock. But this is not something to kill the deal over. The house has been without them all of these years.

Evidence of a past leak

Evidence of a past leak. It is not uncommon, particularly in older homes for an inspector to find water stains. Or as they say, evidence of a past leak. Some may be completely dry, others may not be. As long as you may be able to determine what cause the stain and there is no mold. This may not be a big deal at all. A little paint may be all it takes once you own the home.

Let your real estate agent be your guide through the inspection process. Ask questions of the inspector and your agent so you can make informed decisions. Don’t let the little things stand in the way of you getting your home.