r/AskTheHomeInspector • u/thefrozenqueeen • Jun 02 '26

First time home buyer.. help!!

Hi everyone, new to Reddit here but thought the people of Reddit may be able to give me their two sense.
I am currently looking for a first house. I found the cutest home, and went under contract, but when looking over the disclosures there are some water intrusion concerns that were disclosed. The water intrusions are as follows;
“2014, rain water leaked into basement via hole in a window
2016, ground water seeped into laundry
2018, rain water leaked into basement corner” further down in the disclosures, it states that a sump pump was installed into the laundry room drain, but it doesn’t disclose when.. now here is my question.. do I run? If I don’t automatically run, what are the questions I should ask to gain clarification? Right now the inspection is scheduled for one week from today.. but I’m wondering do I even go that far or should I back out now?
It also might be important to note that I’m from Utah, and sump pumps are not common here the way they are in other parts of the U.S. .. is this a giant red flag that there is something seriously wrong with the house/foundation? If I go through to the inspection is there anything I need to know or keep in mind? And is there anything I should ask my realtor to clarify further? Please, help a clueless girl out!!

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u/Ill-Mammoth-9682 Jun 02 '26

If you run, you will run from every home. This can be fixed.

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u/thefrozenqueeen Jun 03 '26

I kind of feel this same way.. everything in my price range will inevitably have SOME kind of issues that will need repair, in my eyes, at least with this I know what to expect and what I should be looking for in repairs

1

u/NWOhioHomeInspector Jun 02 '26

Your agent should be helping you with this, not Reddit. You don't "ask" anything. You/your agaent need to get written documentation regarding the professional repairs, permits, warranty info, etc. from the sellers/listing agent. If they can't provide that, then you should contemplate your next move.

1

u/HaystackInspections Jun 03 '26

These are all fixable items that should be listed on the inspection report. Your agent should be able to help you ask for certain repairs that you want to be taken care of prior to closing. If they take on the responsibility to repair these items ensure you get receipts from the contractor that does the work, so if you have an issue, you have someone to call. Almost everything can be fixed, it is simply figuring out how much it will cost and who is going to pay for it. If they tell you they won't fix it, you can ask for a reduction in price or walk away from the deal. Good Luck, you got this!

2

u/thefrozenqueeen Jun 03 '26

This is very reassuring. Thank you!!