You’ve toured every house on the market, often more than once. You’ve secured financing and now you’ve finally found The House. And after some tense nail-biting negotiations, the seller has finally accepted your offer.

You’re at the finish line, right?

Well, not quite. There’s still the appraisal, home inspection and closing – but that pesky inspection? That can make-or-break your dreams of making The House your home.

The home inspection process is mired in myths and misconceptions so here, we hope to demystify the process for you to help manage your expectations, quells your concerns and get you to the closing table – fast.

Myth No. 1: The home inspection is pass/fail.

Many buyers believe that in order to buy a house, it must pass the home inspection and if it fails, they can’t purchase the home. Thankfully, home inspectors evaluate the condition of a home and report on its defects leaving the decision to purchase to the buyers and their bank.

Myth No. 2: The inspector will uncover every issue with the house.

As much as that would be amazing, home inspectors can’t overturn every stone to uncover every issue. Inspectors can only make a visual inspection of readily accessible areas of the home – so if there’s furniture in front of something, they won’t move it.

Myth No. 3: It doesn’t matter which inspector you hire.

Let’s make this clear: Who you hire always matters. In the U.S., only 30 states require licensing for home inspectors – and even licensed inspectors have various levels of training or certification, so it’s up to you to do your homework, get referrals and then checking references thoroughly.

Myth No. 4: A home inspection is the same as a code inspection.

During a home inspection, home inspectors look for issues that could affect the safety of your family, the value of your home and the integrity of the structure. Code inspections, however, determine compliance with building standards and codes. Something may not be up to code and still pass a home inspection.

Myth No. 5: Sellers will repair every issue the home inspector uncovers.

Wouldn’t that be nice? While the home inspection report does boast negotiating leverage, it doesn’t guarantee that the seller will repair – or has to repair – every issue uncovered, especially with an as-is contract. Our advice? When negotiating, focus on big-ticket issues and leave the minor issues alone.

Myth No. 6: New construction or flipped homes don’t have to be inspected.

Buyers often assume that since everything is new or remodeled, there’s no need for a home inspection – and that is a dangerous misconception. Builders and flippers can cut costly corners so you should always inspect what you expect.

Myth No. 7: Home inspections are the same as appraisals.

While there is some overlap, home inspection determines the condition of the home and an appraisal determines its value on behalf of the lending institution. So even if a seller boasts an amazing appraisal report, you still can’t skip the inspection.

Myth No. 8: Home inspections include termite checks.

While this is true in some states, inspecting for termites requires a pest control license in Florida which means that most termite inspections are performed by a pest control company and not your inspector. And since most termite damage occurs in the southeastern U.S., Floridians should definitely opt for a termite inspection, too.

See? That wasn’t so scary, right? Ultimately, what comes of a home inspection is left largely to the buyers and their bank and with the lending institution’s blessing, it all becomes a matter of the buyer’s tolerance. Ask yourself: ‘Can I live with this?’ If you can, then the house passes your test. And that’s what matters most.

Whether you’re buying or selling, appraising or inspecting, or just getting started in the process and dipping your toe into the market, at DeLeon Sheffield, our experienced real estate professionals are here for you every step of the way.

Because at DeLeon Sheffield Company, ‘We’re More Than Realty; We’re Family.’