🏠 How to Read a Home Inspection Report: Don’t Panic—Prioritize!

WEEKLY WISDOM

Real Estate Ready Series – Week 4

You’ve finally found the one—the home you love. You made an offer, it was accepted, and now the home inspection is complete.

Then the report arrives… and it’s 40 pages long. 😳

Don’t panic. A long report doesn’t mean the house is falling apart—it just means your inspector did a thorough job.

At Wisdom Home Inspection, we tell the story of the home—clearly, visually, and with context. We use Spectora reports to communicate that story to you, the buyer. They're clean, color-coded, and packed with helpful photos, videos, and actionable narratives—so you can understand what’s serious, what’s routine, and what’s just for future maintenance.

Let’s break it down so you can understand how to read a home inspection report like a pro—and make smart, confident decisions without getting overwhelmed.

Understanding your inspection report is easier when the story of the home is told clearly—with photos, videos, and expert insight.

🎨 How to Read a Home Inspection Report Using Spectora’s Color System

Every report is broken down by color for fast reading. Here's what each one actually tells you:

Understanding your home inspection report isn’t just possible—it’s essential. We help you read it clearly, prioritize confidently, and move forward with peace of mind.

🟢 Green – Total Items Inspected

📋 This is the total number of systems and components inspected in your home—from the roof and HVAC to outlets and door latches.

These items are all documented—but some may still include maintenance items, minor defects, or even red-flag safety issues.

✅ Green doesn’t mean “problem-free”—it simply means the item was looked at and recorded. Read the details and color flags that follow to know what needs attention.

🔵 Blue – Maintenance Item

🧰 Think of these as friendly reminders: replace filters, clean gutters, re-caulk a window, etc.They’re not defects—just upkeep to keep things running smoothly.

👉 Fix these at your own pace—most buyers won’t raise concerns about blue items.

🟠 Orange – Minor Defect

🔧 These are small issues like loose railings, cracked tiles, or stained ceiling tiles.They’re usually inexpensive, cosmetic, or age-related.

🎯 Fix the easy ones—it shows buyers you’re on top of things.

🔴 Red – Material Defect or Safety Hazard

🚨 These are the items to focus on: electrical issues, plumbing leaks, foundation cracks, safety concerns.

Red means the issue could impact buyer safety, insurance, or the ability to close.

🤝 Talk to your agent about repairs, credits, or disclosures.

Not all repairs are created equal. Safety concerns like faulty outlets or missing GFCIs are the kind of fixes that help close deals—not stall them.

💡 Seller Survival Tips

• 📘 Don’t panic if the report is long. Most of it is documentation, not problems.

• 🛠 Focus on Red and Orange. These are most likely to affect your deal.

• 🤝 Ask your agent for help. They’ll guide you on what to fix, credit, or disclose.

• ✅ Use the Spectora format to your advantage. It makes your response strategy clear and professional.

📥 Download the PDF:

“Decoding the Home Inspection Report – A Seller’s Spectora Color Guide”Includes the color code legend, examples, and a fix-or-negotiate checklist.

How To Read A Inspection Report

🗓️ Next in the Series:

Pre-Listing Inspections: Secret Weapon or Waste of Money?Coming next week!

Wisdom Home Inspection Services LLC

✔️ Certified Professional Inspector (CPI)

🌐 Wisdom Home Inspection Services

📞 (224) 817-1511

📧 Email: mike@wisdomhis.com

📍 Serving Chicagoland & Beyond

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Using Wisdom Makes Dreams Come True!