What The Home Inspector Found

Why Home Inspections Matter: Insights from the Talk Real Estate Roundtable

At Boston Connect Real Estate, we believe every move should be a moving experience—and that starts with being informed. In our latest episode of Talk Real Estate Roundtable, host Melissa Wallace sat down with veteran Realtor® Sue Bollinger to dive deep into the importance of home inspections, a topic that’s gaining even more attention with upcoming changes to Massachusetts law.

Why Home Inspections Shouldn’t Be Skipped

Sue, a full-time Realtor® with over 20 years of experience on the South Shore, strongly advises against waiving home inspections—something buyers have felt pressure to do in competitive markets. Fortunately, a new Massachusetts law going into effect in October will prevent sellers from requiring buyers to waive their right to an inspection, leveling the playing field for informed decisions.

Home inspections aren’t just about uncovering issues—they're an educational experience for buyers. From understanding how to shut off water valves to knowing how to change a furnace filter, a good inspector arms buyers with essential knowledge about their future home.

Common Issues and How to Handle Them

Sue and Melissa highlighted several recurring issues that come up during home inspections:

• Roof Conditions: An aging roof can lead to leaks, mold, and major expenses. Inspectors evaluate remaining roof life and help buyers negotiate credits or plan for future repairs.

• Plumbing Leaks: Even minor issues like a leaky kitchen sink can raise red flags. The key is understanding whether the issue has been addressed and how serious it is.

• Electrical Problems: Outdated wiring, missing GFCI outlets, and insufficient amperage are common and can range from simple fixes to major upgrades.

• Mold and Moisture: Especially relevant in New England basements and attics, mold is both a health concern and a costly remediation item.

• Chimney and Structural Concerns: One buyer in Sue’s story discovered a leaning chimney after purchase—a repair they took on themselves because the issue had been previously disclosed but not fixed.

The Role of Negotiation and Education

A major takeaway from the show is that home inspections shouldn’t be viewed as deal-breakers, but as opportunities for negotiation and preparation. Sellers can provide past inspection reports and repair summaries, and buyers can use that information to make confident, informed offers.

Melissa noted the emotional side of the process—how buyers interpret inspection reports depends greatly on perception. A leaky sink might be a quick fix to one person and a nightmare to another. That’s where a skilled agent’s guidance becomes invaluable.

Don’t Forget the Extras

Aside from the standard home inspection, buyers can—and often should—invest in:

• Pest inspections

• Water testing

• Radon testing

• Septic inspections (Title V), which are typically handled by sellers in Massachusetts

Sue also discussed renovation financing options like 203K loans, which can help buyers address costly issues like roof or septic system replacements without needing immediate cash out-of-pocket.

Client Care Beyond the Sale

Boston Connect Real Estate isn’t just about transactions. Melissa and Sue also reflected on how the Pembroke office has become a community hub—from hosting Mother’s Day events and summer ice cream socials to the beloved annual Holiday Open House with Santa. These client events aren’t just fun—they’re a reflection of our mission to build lasting relationships.

Thinking about buying or selling a home on the South Shore? Let our experienced agents guide you through every step of the process. Contact us today at bostonconnect.com or call 781-826-