May 27, 2025: What Happens After You Go Under Contract? A Kansas City Homebuyer’s Guide to Inspections
You’ve made it! You’re under contract on your Kansas City home — so what now? Should you start boxing up the dishes, buying paint swatches, or maybe splurge on that giant inflatable backyard pool? Not quite yet.
Once you’re under contract, one of the smartest next moves is scheduling your inspections. This is where you step into the world of responsible adulting: hiring a professional to tell you everything that’s wrong with the house you just promised to buy. Cracks, leaks, pests, weird smells, even invisible gases — if it’s lurking, a good inspector will find it. Trust us, this is a crucial part of protecting yourself from costly surprises after you move in.
At Nelson Home Group, Kansas City’s highest-rated real estate team, we help guide buyers through this important phase every day. Here’s what you need to know.
Every contract has an inspection window, and once it closes, you lose your chance to negotiate or back out based on inspection findings. That’s why we recommend scheduling inspections immediately after going under contract — don’t wait! We keep a vetted list of trusted inspectors who our past clients love (and who won’t make you feel like you accidentally bought a haunted house). We’re happy to provide recommendations or even help coordinate appointments on your behalf — one less thing on your to-do list.
The Whole Home Inspection
Think of this as your home’s full physical exam. A licensed inspector will check the roof, crawl the attic, poke through the crawlspace, test the outlets, examine the plumbing, evaluate the HVAC, and more. They’re looking for safety hazards, structural concerns, and repairs you’ll want to know about before you sign your life away. Basically, they’re solving the mystery of “why is that wall cracked?” or “is that stain a leak or some avant-garde art project?”
Here’s a fun Kansas City fact: termites love this place almost as much as we love barbecue. Even if you can’t see or hear them, they may be busy turning your future dream home into an all-you-can-eat buffet. If you’re using a VA loan, a termite inspection is required, and the seller typically reimburses the cost at closing. Even if you’re not using a VA loan, it’s a smart move to pay a couple hundred bucks for peace of mind and potentially thousands saved later.
Sewer Inspection
Let’s face it, no one wants to think about sewer lines. But a cracked, collapsed, or root-infested sewer line can cost tens of thousands of dollars to repair. A sewer inspection uses a camera to check the line from the house to the street for any lurking disasters. For a small upfront cost, you can avoid a massive future headache. Trust us — you’d rather watch a sewer camera video now than star in a sewer repair bill later.
Radon Testing
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can seep into homes from the ground. Long-term exposure can increase lung cancer risk, but don’t panic! Testing is simple, and if needed, installing a radon mitigation system is affordable and straightforward (think a fan and some pipes — not a hazmat suit). A small test now means peace of mind for your family later.
Reviewing Your Results and Next Steps
Once all inspections are complete, we’ll sit down with you to go over the results. We’ll break down what’s urgent, what’s negotiable, and what’s just part of homeownership. From there, depending on your contract terms, you can move forward as-is, ask the seller for repairs or credits, or walk away if the issues are too big. And yes — if you cancel within your inspection period based on inspection findings, you’ll get your earnest deposit back.
Why Work With Nelson Home Group?
Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make, and you deserve a team that knows how to guide you through every twist, turn, and potential inspection hiccup. Nelson Home Group is proud to be Kansas City’s highest-rated real estate team, trusted by more local buyers and sellers than anyone else. We earn that trust every day by providing exceptional service, expert advice, and a seamless experience from start to finish.
If you’re ready to explore the Kansas City housing market with a team that has your back, we’d love to help. Reach out to Nelson Home Group today, and let’s make your homeownership dreams a reality!
