What is a home inspection?
Buying a house in Houston is often the biggest investment a person can make, so every buyer wants to be very careful to make sure that the house they are buying is in good shape. After a buyer makes an offer on a house, an inspection is ordered by (and typically paid for by) the buyer. The inspector must be licensed by the state of Texas. If the inspection turns up problems with the house that the buyer was unaware of, the buyer can back out of the sale. In other words, the sale is contingent, or dependent, upon the findings of the inspection. The buyer can cancel the sale or renegotiate the price of the house to cover the cost of fixing any problems.
Who is certified to inspect houses in Houston?
In Texas, a person has to go through a process to become a Licensed Professional Real Estate Inspector. There are three levels of certification for inspectors in the Lone Star State: Licensed Apprentice Inspector, Licensed Real Estate Inspector, and finally a Licensed Professional Real Estate Inspector. Inspectors are licensed by the Texas Real Estate Commission.

What does a home inspection consist of in Houston?
According to Zillow, “Home inspections are sometimes a major turning point in the home buying process… it can prevent unpleasant surprises.”
Some of the things the inspector will check are:
- The roof
- Exterior of the house
- Garage
- Basement
- Electrical system
- Plumbing
- Foundation/basement
- Appliances
- Heating and cooling systems
According to Houzeo, home inspection costs range between $250–$600 in Houston, with an average cost of $430.
What is the difference between a house inspection and a house appraisal?
A house appraisal is a must for almost all lenders. The difference between them is that a home inspection deals with the house’s condition while a house appraisal deals with a home’s value.
Home inspections are for the buyer’s own protection and aren’t required by all mortgage lenders. However, FHA or VA loans usually do require inspections. Therefore, selling a house “as is” without an inspection won’t work for that type of financing if the house has major problems. If the house just needs cosmetic fixes, your buyer can still get FHA or VA financing, and you can sell your house “as is.”
Also, keep in mind that in Texas, a seller’s disclosure is required when selling a house. That means you must tell a prospective buyer in written form of any known problems with the house. Failing to be honest could result in a lawsuit down the road.
What house problems will lead to a VA or FHA loan denial in Houston?
If a house inspection turns up or identifies any major problems with your Houston house, the loan can be denied. Safety, security, and soundness are what the FHA looks for in a house to approve a loan. The safety checklist they go by is called “Minimum Property Standards.” If anything compromises the Minimum Property Standards, the loan application will likely be turned down. A few examples include:
- Missing handrails
- Unsafe electrical wiring
- Defective flooring
- Cracked windows
- Asbestos
- Structural defects
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We Buy Ugly Houses is America’s trusted home buyer, in business since 1996 with a 95%* customer satisfaction rating nationwide and fantastic reviews. Contact us to see how we can help you sell your house “as is” without an inspection.
This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.