Home Buying Guides
Free expert guides for California homebuyers — from reading your first inspection report to negotiating the best deal.
📋 Understanding Your Inspection Report
You just got a 40-page report. These guides help you understand what it all means.
How to Read a Home Inspection Report
Decode severity ratings, inspector language, and the Big 6 issues that actually affect your decision.
Home Inspection Repair Costs (2026)
California cost estimates for every common finding — foundation, roof, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and more.
First-Time Homebuyer Inspection Checklist
Everything to do before, during, and after your inspection — for people who have never done this before.
Home Inspection Deal Breakers: When to Walk Away
Which problems are cosmetic, which are negotiable, and which should make you walk away from the deal.
What Home Inspectors Can and Cannot Find
Your inspection has blind spots. Learn what inspectors cover, what they miss, and how to fill the gaps.
Common Issues by Home Age: 1950s Through 2000s
Every era of construction has signature problems. Know what to expect based on when the house was built.
🔍 Seller Disclosures & Negotiation
What the seller told you vs. what the inspector found — and how to use the gap to negotiate.
When Your Inspection Contradicts the Seller Disclosure
The seller said "no issues." The inspector found something different. Here is exactly what to do next.
12 Seller Disclosure Red Flags
Warning signs that indicate hidden problems. These red flags could save you from a money pit.
How to Negotiate After a Home Inspection
Step-by-step strategies for repairs, credits, or price reductions based on inspection findings.
How Much to Ask For After Inspection (With Examples)
A framework for calculating your credit request — with real cost tables and example calculations.
Seller Didn't Disclose Defects: Your Legal Options in CA
Discovered problems the seller hid? Your rights, timeline, and legal options under California law.
🐻 California Homebuyer Essentials
California has the strictest disclosure laws in the country. Know your rights and requirements.
Buying a House in California: Inspection & Disclosure Process
Your complete guide to the 17-day contingency period — disclosures, inspections, and your rights as a buyer.
California TDS Guide: Complete Walkthrough for Buyers
The Transfer Disclosure Statement is your most important document. Here is how to read it like a pro.
Natural Hazard Disclosure: Earthquake, Fire & Flood Zones
What NHD zone designations mean for your insurance costs, safety, and future resale value.
California Home Inspection Requirements
Is an inspection required? What inspectors must cover. What to do if you are pressured to waive.
"As-Is" Does Not Mean No Disclosures
Buying an as-is property? Sellers still must disclose known defects. What this means for your purchase.
🔧 Specific Issue Deep Dives
Your inspection flagged a specific problem. Here is exactly what it means, what it costs, and what to do.
Foundation Problems: What to Do Next
Not all cracks are deal breakers. Learn which foundation findings are normal settling and which are structural failure.
Roof Issues: Repair vs. Replace
Lifespan by material, repair vs. replace decisions, California costs, and how to negotiate credits.
Mold Found: Should You Walk Away?
When mold is cosmetic, when it is dangerous, remediation costs, and checking if the seller knew.
Electrical Issues: When to Worry
FPE panels, knob-and-tube, aluminum wiring — which electrical findings are fire hazards and what they cost.
Plumbing Problems: Sewer, Pipes & Water Heater
Galvanized pipes, sewer laterals, poly-B failures — California-specific plumbing concerns and costs.