Buying your first home is one of the most exciting—and sometimes overwhelming—experiences you’ll ever go through. Between mortgage approvals, house hunting, and paperwork, it’s easy to feel like you’re juggling a thousand moving pieces. But there’s one step you can’t afford to rush through: your home inspection.
At Palmer Inspections, we’ve worked with countless first-time buyers across Longview, Tyler, Marshall, Kilgore, and the rest of East Texas. We know that scheduling your home inspection at the right time—and with the right team—can make the entire buying process smoother and give you peace of mind.
Here are our top tips for scheduling your first home inspection.
Why Timing Matters for Your Home Inspection
Your home inspection isn’t just another box to check off—it’s your opportunity to truly understand the condition of the property before committing. Scheduling too late could limit your options if big issues are discovered. Scheduling too early might mean the house isn’t ready to be inspected.
In most real estate contracts, you’ll have an option period (also called the inspection period) that allows you to back out or negotiate repairs based on what the inspection finds. The key is to get your inspection scheduled as early as possible in that window so you have time to review the report and make informed decisions.
Tip 1: Book Your Inspection Quickly After Going Under Contract
The East Texas housing market can move fast, especially in cities like Longview and Tyler where demand is strong. Once your offer is accepted, don’t wait to schedule your inspection. Many inspectors book out several days in advance, so the earlier you call, the better your chances of getting a convenient time.
👉 Pro tip: Aim to have your inspection completed within the first few days of your option period. This gives you plenty of time to review the report, ask questions, and work with your agent on next steps.
Tip 2: Decide Whether to Attend the Inspection
As a first-time buyer, you may wonder if you should be there during the inspection. The choice is completely up to you. Some buyers prefer to walk through the home during the process, while others wait for the written report.
At Palmer Inspections, what we recommend every client take advantage of is our post-inspection Q&A call. Once you’ve had a chance to review your detailed report, we’ll schedule time to answer your questions and clarify the findings. This ensures you fully understand the condition of the home and feel confident about your next steps.
Tip 3: Choose an Inspector Who Uses Advanced Tools When Needed
Not all inspections are the same. Some issues—like hidden moisture or insulation gaps—aren’t always visible during a standard walkthrough. That’s why it’s important to work with an inspector who has access to advanced tools and knows when to use them.
At Palmer Inspections, we use specialized technology such as infrared cameras and moisture meters as needed (on most homes, but not all). This extra level of evaluation helps us identify potential concerns that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Tip 4: Allow Enough Time
A thorough home inspection typically takes 3–4 hours depending on the size and age of the home. Make sure your schedule allows for that time, whether you choose to be there or simply wait for your report.
Remember: this is your investment. It’s worth slowing down and giving the inspection your full attention—especially during the follow-up call when we go over the findings with you.
Tip 5: Don’t Panic Over Every Finding
Every home—even brand-new ones—will have items show up on an inspection report. That doesn’t mean you’ve made a bad choice. The key is understanding which findings are minor and which could affect your safety, budget, or decision to move forward.
That’s exactly what our Q&A call is designed for: to break down the report, prioritize what matters most, and make sure you leave the process informed—not overwhelmed.
How Palmer Inspections Supports First-Time Buyers
We know how much is on your plate when buying your first home. That’s why our inspections are designed to make the process less stressful and more empowering:
- Clear communication – Simple, straightforward explanations.
- Fast results – Detailed report delivered within 24 hours.
- Follow-up Q&A call – Every client is encouraged to schedule a next-day call for clarity and peace of mind.
- Advanced tools – Infrared technology and other tools available when the situation calls for it.
- Local expertise – Knowledge of East Texas housing conditions, from shifting soils to seasonal humidity.
Final Thoughts
Scheduling your home inspection doesn’t have to be complicated—but it does need to be a priority. For first-time homebuyers in East Texas, the inspection is your best safeguard against surprises and your chance to enter homeownership with confidence.
At Palmer Inspections, we’re here to guide you through every step. Whether you’re buying in Longview, Tyler, Marshall, Kilgore, Henderson, or anywhere in between, we’ll provide the knowledge, support, and peace of mind you need.
✅ Ready to schedule your first home inspection?
Contact Palmer Inspections today and let us help you step into your new home with confidence.