If you are buying a home in the Seattle real estate market, your home inspection is one of the most important steps you will take. As a Seattle real estate agent who has helped over 325 clients buy and sell homes and who personally owns seven properties by age 34, I can tell you that what you do during your first home inspection can either set you up for confidence and clarity—or stress and surprise repairs later. Many buyers think of the inspection as a simple “pass or fail” report, but it is much more than that. It is your opportunity to understand how the home really works, where its weak spots might be, and what you need to do to maintain it over time. In this post, I am sharing the exact five things I would go back and tell my younger self to do at that very first home inspection, so you can walk in prepared and walk out informed.
What Your First Home Inspection Is Really For
Before we get into the list, it helps to reframe what the inspection is actually about:
It is not about finding a “perfect” home.
It is about understanding the true condition of the home you are buying.
It gives you information to make smart decisions and negotiate when appropriate.
It helps you learn how to operate and maintain the property going forward.
When you show up prepared, you get far more value out of the process than just a PDF report.
1. Always Get a Sewer Scope
What a Sewer Scope Is
A sewer scope is a specialized inspection where a camera is sent down the sewer line that connects the home to the street. The inspector records video and looks for issues such as:
Cracked or broken pipes
Tree roots intruding into the line
Sagging sections where waste and water can collect
Leftover construction debris in newer homes
Why a Sewer Scope Matters
Even though it is an extra step, a sewer scope is one of the best “insurance policies” you can buy during your inspection period.
Key points:
Typical cost:
Around $200–$250 as a one-time fee (in markets like Seattle).
Big potential savings:
Sewer line repairs or replacements can cost thousands, sometimes tens of thousands of dollars.
Age does not guarantee safety:
New homes can still have problems if contractors left materials in the line.
Builders sometimes tie into old sewer lines instead of fully replacing them to the street.
Bottom line:
Make “Get a sewer scope” a non-negotiable on your inspection checklist, regardless of the age of the home.
2. Treat the Inspection as a Class and Learn from the Inspector
Your inspection is not just an evaluation of the house—it is also your first lesson in how to own it.
Show Up Curious
Go in with a learning mindset:
Ask the inspector if you can follow them around (if they are comfortable with it).
Ask what they are checking and why it matters.
Take notes or even short videos (if allowed) of important systems and shutoff locations.
Critical Things to Learn on Site
Use the inspection to learn practical basics you will absolutely need later:
How to reset GFCI outlets after they trip
How to shut off the main water supply to the home
Where your main electrical panel and main shutoff are located
How to safely reset breakers
Where major systems are (furnace, water heater, ventilation, etc.)
These are the kinds of things that create panic if you do not know them and something goes wrong. The inspection is your chance to learn them calmly, with a professional present.
3. Do Not Expect Any Home to Be Perfect
Even new construction homes or beautifully remodeled properties will have flaws or imperfections.
Homes Are Built to Code, Not Perfection
Important realities:
Building code sets minimum standards, not flawless execution.
Real homes are built by people, and small imperfections are normal.
Weather, settling, and daily use all create minor issues over time.
Focus on What Actually Matters
You will likely see a list of items in the inspection report. Not all of them deserve the same level of concern.
Helpful way to think about issues:
High priority:
Safety issues (electrical hazards, gas leaks, missing handrails)
Active leaks or moisture problems
Structural concerns (foundation movement, severe rot, framing issues)
Medium priority:
Systems at or near the end of their life (older water heater, furnace, roof)
Ventilation issues in bathrooms or attics
Minor plumbing or electrical corrections
Low priority / aesthetic:
Slightly uneven caulk lines
Small paint flaws or touch-ups
Minor tile variations, small dings, or cosmetic gaps
You might notice tiny imperfections that bother you at first, but you will likely stop seeing most of them once you live in the home. Spend your energy and negotiation power on items that affect safety, structure, or long-term performance—not on details that are purely cosmetic.
4. Learn How to Operate the Home’s Systems
The inspection is the perfect time to learn how to actually “run” your home.
Systems You Should Understand
Ask the inspector to walk you through:
Heating and cooling:
How to change filters
How to adjust or program the thermostat
Ventilation:
How the bathroom fans are vented (do they vent outside or into the attic?)
How and when to use whole-house fans, if you have them
Water:
Where the main water shutoff is
Where any localized shutoffs are (under sinks, behind toilets)
Electrical:
Which breaker controls what
Where GFCI outlets are located and how to reset them
Environmental and Safety Considerations
Depending on your region, you may also want to ask about:
Radon testing and where radon might be present
Any known asbestos concerns in older materials
Proper attic and crawlspace ventilation to prevent moisture buildup
The goal is to leave the inspection not just knowing “what is wrong,” but knowing how to responsibly operate and care for the systems you now own.
5. Start Your Annual Home Maintenance Checklist at the Inspection
Owning a home is not a one-time purchase—it is an ongoing responsibility. A lot of costly problems start as small, inexpensive issues that were simply ignored.
Use the Inspection to Build Your List
As the inspector walks through the home, note anything that should be checked or serviced regularly.
Examples include:
Cleaning or replacing HVAC filters
Cleaning gutters and downspouts
Flushing the water heater (if recommended)
Inspecting caulking around windows, doors, and wet areas
Checking exterior paint or siding for wear
Running whole-house fans or ventilation systems as recommended
Verifying that bathroom fans are working and venting properly
Turn That List into a System
Once you have your list:
Put the tasks into a digital calendar or reminder app.
Decide which items are:
Monthly
Quarterly
Annual
Set recurring reminders so you are not relying on memory.
This simple system helps you:
Protect your investment
Avoid avoidable damage or deterioration
Spread out maintenance tasks instead of being surprised by major repairs
Final Thoughts: Make Your First Home Inspection Count
If I could go back to my very first home inspection, these are the five things I would make sure to do every single time:
Always get a sewer scope.
Treat the inspection as a learning opportunity and ask questions.
Let go of the idea of a “perfect” home and focus on what really matters.
Learn how to operate the home’s systems while the inspector is there.
Start your annual maintenance checklist at the inspection and stick to it.
When you approach your inspection this way, you walk away not just with a report, but with real knowledge and a plan. That is what turns you from a nervous buyer into a confident homeowner.
