One of the most uncomfortable positions a buyer can find themselves in is realizing that their own representation may be minimizing repair concerns just to keep a deal moving forward. It happens more often than people realize—and it can quietly put buyers at risk financially, structurally, and even from a health and wellness standpoint.
If something feels off, pause. Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make, and you deserve accurate information and real support—not pressure.
Here are important ways to protect yourself during the home-buying process:
1️⃣ Don’t be afraid to get your own inspections
You are never required to use inspectors recommended by your realtor. While inspections can come with a cost, some specialty inspections are low-cost or even free. The cost of not inspecting is often far greater than the inspection itself.
2️⃣ Seek advisement outside of friends and family
Friends and family mean well, but emotional ties can cloud judgment. Instead, look for objective professionals who assess homes every day and have no emotional investment in your purchase.
3️⃣ Get input from home professionals—especially General Contractors
GCs, crawl space specialists, roofers, structural professionals, and environmental inspectors can provide real-world insight. Paying a contractor to walk the property and give repair estimates is often one of the smartest pre-purchase investments you can make.
4️⃣ Research every service, product, and recommendation
When you’re overwhelmed, it’s easy to choose the fastest or cheapest fix. But low-cost solutions can turn into expensive mistakes. Take time to read reviews on contractors, repair methods, materials, and equipment being recommended. You don’t need to be an expert—just an informed buyer.
5️⃣ Vet your realtor before you commit
Before selecting a real estate professional, ask about their experience with complex transactions. Request references. In diverse environments like Western North Carolina—where moisture, terrain, crawl spaces, older homes, and variable construction are common—you need someone who understands the nuance, not someone who downplays it.
6️⃣ Know your right to slow down or renegotiate
You can pause the process. You can renegotiate. You can request credits or repairs—or walk away. Pressure to “just move forward” is a red flag. Good professionals support informed decisions, not rushed closings.
7️⃣ Don’t be bullied by anxious sellers
This is a big one. Sellers who have already moved—sometimes out of state—are often motivated to do the absolute minimum. I’ve seen situations where sellers check boxes that repairs were “completed” without caring about the long-term health, safety, or wellness of the home. Don’t accept surface-level fixes. You have every right to verify work, request documentation, and perform your own due diligence.
🏡 Simple Buyer Checklist (Especially for Western North Carolina)
✔ Get independent inspections (home, crawl space, moisture, roof, HVAC, structural as needed)
✔ Ask for repair estimates from licensed contractors—not just summaries
✔ Research all recommended contractors, products, and systems
✔ Review seller repairs carefully—verify work was done properly
✔ Understand drainage, grading, and moisture risks on the property
✔ Evaluate crawl spaces, basements, and attic ventilation
✔ Ask about prior water intrusion, mold, or structural issues
✔ Confirm permits for major repairs or renovations
✔ Assess long-term maintenance costs—not just purchase price
✔ Trust your instincts and don’t rush decisions under pressure
Buying a home should feel empowering, not confusing or intimidating. The right professionals welcome questions, encourage education, and support buyers in making decisions that protect both their investment and their health.
Your future home is worth the extra diligence.