Why Every Buyer Needs a Home Inspection (and a Sewer Scope!) Before Closing
Why Every Buyer Needs a Home Inspection (and a Sewer Scope!) Before Closing
Buying a home in Oxford or Lake Orion, Michigan—whether as your family residence or as part of your real estate investment portfolio—is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. Yet, too many buyers skip one of the most important steps: the home inspection.
As a real estate investor and REALTOR®, I’ve learned this lesson firsthand. I never skip inspections. Every property, every time. Because in this business, knowledge equals protection. That’s what lets you Sleep Well At Night (S.W.A.N. Method®).
Why a Home Inspection Is Non-Negotiable
A proper home inspection isn’t about passing or failing a property It is about clarity and control. A certified home inspector evaluates the home’s structure, roof, electrical systems, plumbing, foundation, and overall safety.
For me and my investors, the inspection is the first layer of the S.W.A.N. Method®. It ensures we’re making decisions based on facts, not feelings. A few hundred dollars today can prevent thousands in unexpected repairs down the road.
When an inspection uncovers issues, it’s not a setback—it’s leverage. You can negotiate repairs, credits, or even walk away from a bad deal before it becomes a financial trap.
In short, inspections protect your money and your peace of mind.
The Hidden Danger: Skipping the Sewer Scope
Here’s the truth: one of the most expensive and invisible risks in real estate hides underground. The dreaded sewer line. While everyone is looking at the floors, wallpaper, fixtures and matching tile, I am concerned about what will cause the biggest expense.
A sewer scope inspection involves sending a small camera through the home’s main sewer line to look for blockages, cracks, and damage. It takes minutes, costs very little, and can reveal tens of thousands of dollars in potential problems.
Here’s what a sewer scope might uncover:
Tree roots breaking through old clay pipes
Collapsed or sagging sections
Grease or debris buildup from prior owners
Outdated materials like cast iron or Orangeburg (a type of “paper pipe”)
Replacing a sewer line can cost $5,000 to $20,000 or more and insurance rarely covers it. For me, the rule is simple:
“If it flushes, scope it.”
Every time I buy or advise a client in Oakland County real estate, a sewer scope is part of our due diligence. It’s one of the smartest, lowest-cost insurance policies you can buy.
Smart Investors Trust Data, Not Luck
Every property is a business decision. Smart investors know that trust is good—but verification is better.
As a real estate investor using the S.W.A.N. Method®, I rely on inspections, scopes, and evidence-based decision-making. The goal isn’t just to find a property—it’s to find a property that helps you Sleep Well At Night, knowing your investment is solid.
Skipping an inspection or sewer scope might feel like saving time or money—but in reality, it’s gambling. And smart investors don’t gamble—they verify!
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re buying your first home or your next investment property in Oxford, Michigan, or Lake Orion, remember this:
A home inspection gives you clarity.
A sewer scope gives you security.
Together, they help you Sleep Well At Night.
If you’re ready to make confident, evidence-driven real estate decisions that align with your financial freedom goals, let’s connect. I’ll help you invest the S.W.A.N. Method® way—Sleep Well At Night, knowing your property is a smart, solid investment.
