Buying a home in another state is exciting, but it also comes with extra challenges. You can’t visit the property frequently, you rely on virtual tours, and you must trust professionals on the ground. That’s why a proper home inspection becomes even more important for out-of-state buyers. A thorough inspection helps you avoid hidden surprises, extra repair costs, and future headaches.
This guide covers the best home inspection tips for buyers who are purchasing from another state so you can make a confident and informed decision.
1. Choose a Qualified, Local Home Inspector
When you’re buying remotely, you need someone who knows the area well. A local inspector understands:
- Regional building styles
- Common structural issues
- Local weather-related damage
- Pest or termite problems
Check the inspector’s credentials, reviews, and sample reports before hiring.
2. Request a Photo-Rich, Detailed Inspection Report
Since you can’t be there physically, ask your inspector to include:
- High-resolution photos
- Problem-area videos
- Repair recommendations
- Severity levels
- Estimated costs
These details help you evaluate whether the home is worth the purchase.
3. Attend the Inspection Virtually
Most inspectors today offer remote support, including:
- Live video walk-throughs
- Recorded inspection videos
- On-call explanations
Attending virtually keeps you informed and removes uncertainties.
4. Focus on Major Home Systems
Out-of-state buyers should pay special attention to core areas such as:
- Roof condition
- Foundation stability
- Electrical wiring
- Plumbing issues
- HVAC system health
- Appliance functionality
These systems are expensive to repair, so clarity is crucial.
5. Don’t Skip Specialized Inspections
Depending on the state, you may need additional checks like:
- Termite inspection
- Mold testing
- Sewer line inspection
- Radon testing
- Septic system evaluation
Your real estate agent can guide you based on local requirements.
6. Verify Repair Costs Before Negotiating
If the inspector finds issues, get local repair estimates before negotiating with the seller. That way you can ask for:
- Price reductions
- Credit towards closing
- Seller-funded repairs
This prevents financial surprises after you move in.
7. Request a Re-Inspection if Repairs Are Done
If the seller agrees to fix anything, always request a re-inspection.
This ensures the repair work is completed properly and up to standard.
8. Add an Inspection Contingency Clause
A home inspection contingency gives you the legal flexibility to:
- Walk away
- Renegotiate
- Request repairs
…if major problems are found.
This is essential for out-of-state buyers who can’t monitor the property closely.
9. Don’t Skip the Final Walk-Through
Even if you’re not physically present, ask your agent to:
- Do a live video walk-through
- Check that all repairs are fulfilled
- Confirm functionality of utilities
- Ensure no new damage has occurred
This protects you from last-minute surprises.
Helpful Tip for Out-of-State Movers
Many out-of-state buyers also need to transport their vehicles to the new location. If you’re planning to ship your car with the move, you can check reliable transport options like https://www.shiply.com/us/car-shipping/michigan-car-shipping to compare quotes and find affordable carriers nationwide. Sharing your car’s pickup and delivery details helps you plan timelines more efficiently during the moving process.
Conclusion
Buying a home in another state can be stress-free when you take the right steps during the home inspection process. With a reliable inspector, detailed reports, virtual participation, and careful evaluation of repairs, you can make a confident, informed decision—even from miles away.
