Raleigh Residential Real Estate – Questions and Answers on Making an Offer to Purchase a Home in Raleigh, NC

Home Inspections Part Two

As I discussed in Part One, when making an offer to purchase in the Raleigh area of North Carolina or any other area in North Carolina, there is usually the opportunity to do a home inspection. There are protections for the buyer in the standard Offer to Purchase and Contract that is used by most Raleigh, NC Realtors®. Under section 13 there are two alternatives that provide for a home inspection as a part of the Offer to Purchase. Normally the inspections are paid for by the buyer.

Should the buyer be present at the home inspection?

We definitely recommend this. Even if the home is in good condition, the inspector will usually point out important information regarding the construction and maintenance of the home. All of the home inspectors recommended by the Poling Team point out things like the main water shut off value, general age and condition of major equipment like the condensing unit for HVAC, etc. In addition, they often point out things that may not be in need of immediate repair but that should be monitored.

How long will a typical home inspection take?

This will vary depending upon the size of the home, but the home inspection usually lasts between two and three hours.

Will I get a written report?

All licensed home inspectors in North Carolina are required to give the person ordering the inspection a written report on the home inspection within three business days of the date when the inspection was performed. It is the property of the one who ordered it (usually the buyer) and they must give permission for it to be shared any other party.

What is in the Home Inspection Report?

The North Carolina Home Inspection Report can vary in format, but all licensed home inspectors in North Carolina have minimum requirement and it must include a written “Summary” of the inspection which identifies the systems or components that does not perform the function for which it was intended or that are in need of immediate repair or that would warrant additional inspections by other specialists.

This “Summary” will not always include all items that are found to have problems. Therefore it is important to read the entire report. If you do not understand something, be sure to ask questions. Your realtor® can help find out information for you as well.

The North Carolina Real Estate Commission has a consumer friendly brochure on this topic. You can find this on The Poling Team website at:  Raleigh NC Home Inspections or you can send an email to Art Poling at and I will be happy to send you a printed copy of the brochure absolutely free with no obligation. Please remember to include your address.