If you’re touring in Central Ohio—Dublin cul-de-sacs, Powell golf communities, Westerville and Worthington classics, Lewis Center and Delaware new builds, or Evans Farm—your home inspection can either confirm a great decision or surface leverage you didn’t know you had. Here’s how I set clients up to win before, during, and after the inspection.

1) Pre-offer intel beats post-offer panic

In competitive Columbus and Powell neighborhoods, I scan seller disclosures, age of majors, and recent permits before we write. That prep narrows surprises and helps us choose the right inspection addenda so you keep leverage without scaring off the seller.

2) Choose the right inspector (and the right scope)

Not every house needs the same playbook. For Westerville and Worthington 1960s–1980s homes, I push sewer scopes and roof evaluations. For Lewis Center and Delaware newer construction, thermal imaging for insulation gaps and attic ventilation checks matter more. I maintain a vetted rotation so you get specialists, not generalists.

3) Read the report like a negotiator, not a rookie

Every report has “maintenance notes.” We focus on safety, structure, and systems: roof life, foundation movement, electrical panels, HVAC performance, and water intrusion. I translate the report into a clean “ask” list with contractor ballparks so sellers in Dublin or Evans Farm see logic—not drama.

4) New build ≠ no issues

Even a brand-new Lewis Center or Evans Farm home can have grading, caulking, or attic ventilation misses. I schedule a third-party inspection before your builder walkthrough and again at the 10–11 month mark so warranty fixes are handled on the builder’s dime, not yours.

5) When to walk, when to win

Some findings are fix-and-credit opportunities; others are deal-breakers. I’ll show you comps, risk, and cost curves so your choice is clear. If we proceed, we structure remedies or credits that actually stick through underwriting and closing.

Bottom line: with the right prep, inspector, and negotiation strategy, your Columbus-area inspection becomes a confidence tool—not a curveball.

Thinking about buying in Columbus, Powell, Dublin, Westerville, Worthington, Lewis Center, Delaware, or Evans Farm? Let’s map your inspection strategy before you write the offer.

[Contact Patrick Murphy, REALTOR® — Columbus, Powell & Dublin Expert]