Common Inspection Findings in Montgomery County (and How Shaina Helps Buyers Navigate Due Diligence)
Home inspections can feel intimidating, especially for first-time buyers. Reports are detailed, technical, and often longer than expected. In Montgomery County, where homes range from historic properties to newer construction, certain inspection findings appear frequently. Shaina helps buyers understand what is common, what is concerning, and how to respond without panicking or overpaying.
Typical issues in local housing stock
Many Montgomery County homes have older components—even when they have been cosmetically updated. Common findings can include aging roofs, older windows, dated electrical panels, older HVAC systems, grading or drainage concerns, and minor plumbing issues. Inspectors may also note safety items such as missing handrails, GFCI outlets, or smoke detectors, which are usually straightforward to address.
Shaina helps buyers distinguish between “normal for the age of the home” and true red flags. By putting each item in context, she reduces the overwhelm that often comes with reading an inspection report for the first time.
Deciding what to negotiate (and what to accept)
Not every inspection item needs to be repaired or credited by the seller. Shaina works with buyers to prioritize health and safety concerns, major system issues, and significant structural or water-related problems. From there, she helps craft a targeted response that may include requests for specific repairs, a credit, or, in some cases, moving forward without changes if the issues are minor and expected.
Her goal is to protect buyers from major unexpected costs while keeping negotiations reasonable enough that the deal can move forward when it still makes sense.
Keeping due diligence productive, not emotional
Inspection day can be emotional, especially when buyers are excited about a home. Shaina brings calm, experienced perspective to the process, reminding clients that no home is perfect—only more or less transparent about its condition. She encourages buyers to ask questions, lean on the inspector’s expertise, and make decisions based on facts, budget, and long-term plans rather than fear.
If you want a guide who will help you understand inspection findings and navigate negotiations with confidence, schedule a buyer consultation with Shaina.
