Think skipping a home inspection on a new home is safe? Think again.
In this episode of Your Real Estate Mama, Jan Scott welcomes home inspection expert Tony Perry of Sweet Home Inspections to pull back the crawlspace curtain on what really goes on beneath (and above) the surface of a home. Whether you're buying your first house, investing in a rental, or building from the ground up, Tony shares eye-opening stories—from possum encounters to homes with no insulation—and explains why a $400 inspection could save you tens of thousands in repairs. If you've ever wondered what your home inspector really looks for, this is the episode for you.

What You Will Learn:

• Why skipping a home inspection can cost you more in the long run
• Common (and shocking) issues inspectors find in both old and new homes
• How a home inspection helps with negotiating repairs or price
• What to expect during a 4-hour inspection walkthrough
• Why even brand-new construction needs an extra set of eyes

Key Topics Discussed:

• How an inspection helps you avoid buyer’s remorse
• Tony’s craziest home inspection encounter (spoiler: it has fur)
• The difference between cosmetic fixes and serious red flags
• Mistakes commonly found in brand-new homes—including missing insulation
• What Tony looks for in attics, crawlspaces, and wiring setups
• How to use your inspection report as a powerful negotiation tool

Show Resources:

• 📞 Tony Perry – Sweet Home Inspections: (251) 484-2878
• 📧 Email: sweethomeinspections.tony@gmail.com
• 📘 Thank God for Grace and Mercy – Tony’s YouTube Channel
• 📖 The Bible Recap by Tara-Leigh Cobble

Quotes:

Transcript Teasers:

⏱️ [00:04:45]
Tony: “This house had to have all the plumbing replaced, the wiring was solid aluminum, it had leaks in the roof, and termites. But the buyer was a general contractor—he just needed to know the full picture before moving forward.”

⏱️ [00:10:15]
Tony: “I met a woman who was renting a house for two years, and it was always hot. Turned out, it had no insulation. Her utility bills were $500 a month—because no one checked.”

⏱️ [00:11:30]
Mama: “This is the reason I don’t crawl underneath houses. Possums and pipes? I’ll take the porch, thank you very much!”

Conclusion:

Whether you're buying a fixer-upper,

Send Jan a text

Follow for Real Estate Tips and Expert Advice!
Looking to buy or sell a home? Tune in for real estate tips, expert advice, and real-life stories to help you navigate the housing market with confidence! 🏡 Plus, get a little mama wisdom to make your home journey smoother.

Have Real Estate Questions or Comments?
I’d love to answer them in an upcoming episode! Don’t hesitate to reach out with your real estate questions, whether it’s about buying, selling, or getting your home ready for the market.

Need a Trusted Realtor?
Connect with me to find a trusted and experienced realtor in your area. Whether you're a first-time home buyer or a seasoned seller, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

Email: jan@yourrealestatemama.com
Follow on Facebook: @YourRealEstateMamaPodcast

Ready to buy a home in Alabama without the pressure? In this heartfelt episode of Your Real Estate Mama, Jan Scott dives into Alabama’s game-changing buyer agency laws effective April 18, 2025, empowering homebuyers with more freedom. With 35 years of real estate expertise, Jan breaks down the updated laws, explains key forms like the RECAD, and shares how these changes reduce pressure for buyers while fostering trust. Packed with practical tips and uplifting wisdom, this episode is perfect for first-time buyers or anyone navigating the homebuying journey. Tune in for actionable advice and Jan’s signature encouragement to soar through life’s detours!

What You Will Learn:

• How to explore Alabama’s housing market without signing a buyer agency agreement upfront.
• Understand the RECAD form and what roles your real estate agent can play.
• Navigate the office policy form and its role in transparency.
• Apply Jan’s life wisdom to handle unexpected detours in real estate and beyond.
• Find a trusted real estate agent that fits your needs.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Alabama’s new buyer agency laws and what they mean for you.
• The flexibility of touring homes without formal agreements.
• Decoding the RECAD form: single agents, transaction brokers, and dual agents.
• How transparency in agent compensation builds trust.
• The importance of the office policy form for consumer protection.
• Jan’s inspiring take on finding purpose in life’s unexpected changes.

Show Resources:

• Alabama Real Estate Commission – Learn more about real estate regulations.
• Your Real Estate Mama Podcast on Facebook – Follow for updates and tips.
• Book Recommendation: The Bible – Jan references Isaiah 40:31 for inspiration Amazon Link.

Quotes:

• “Change isn’t always easy, but it sure can bring growth.” – Jan Scott [00:01:00]
• “When you’re rooted in faith, hope, and love, no storm can shake us completely.” – Jan Scott [00:07:00]
• “There’s purpose in your pause, even if you can’t see it yet.” – Jan Scott [00:07:00]

Conclusion:

This episode equips you with the knowledge to navigate Alabama’s new buyer agency laws confidently while inspiring you to embrace life’s changes. Share this episode with a friend starting their homebuying journey, and subscribe for weekly real estate wisdom!

Transcript Excerpts:

• [00:01:00–00:01:30] “Life has a way of tossing things at us when we least expect it. Some are hard, some are confusing, and some just don’t make a bit of sense. But through it all, we hold on. We keep moving forward and trust that there’s a purpose in

Send Jan a text

Follow for Real Estate Tips and Expert Advice!
Looking to buy or sell a home? Tune in for real estate tips, expert advice, and real-life stories to help you navigate the housing market with confidence! 🏡 Plus, get a little mama wisdom to make your home journey smoother.

Have Real Estate Questions or Comments?
I’d love to answer them in an upcoming episode! Don’t hesitate to reach out with your real estate questions, whether it’s about buying, selling, or getting your home ready for the market.

Need a Trusted Realtor?
Connect with me to find a trusted and experienced realtor in your area. Whether you're a first-time home buyer or a seasoned seller, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

Email: jan@yourrealestatemama.com
Follow on Facebook: @YourRealEstateMamaPodcast

Ready to buy your dream home but worried about costly missteps?
In this episode of Your Real Estate Mama, host Jan Scott—with over 35 years of real estate wisdom—breaks down the top 10 home buying mistakes that can derail your journey. From skipping pre-approval to ignoring hidden costs, Jan shares practical tips to save you time, money, and stress. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or seasoned homeowner, this episode is your guide to smarter home buying decisions.

What You Will Learn

• How to sidestep the pitfalls that trap unsuspecting home buyers.
• The critical steps to take before you even start house hunting.
• Strategies to ensure your dream home fits your budget and future plans.

Key Topics Discussed

• Why skipping pre-approval could cost you your dream home (and how to fix it).
• The sneaky extra costs that catch buyers off guard—what are they?
• Location traps that turn a great deal into a lifelong regret.
• Is a home inspection worth it? The answer might surprise you.
• How emotions and bidding wars can push you past your limits.

Show Resources and Links

• Related Episodes: Check out episodes 6 and 8 for Jan’s deep dive into home inspections with a master inspector
• Bible Reference: Matthew 7:24-27 – Explore the scripture Jan mentions about building on a solid foundation.

Quotes

• “You wouldn’t shop for a Mercedes if you only had money for a Chevrolet—same with a home.” – Jan Scott
• “A great house in the wrong location can be tough to resell and might make everyday life a headache.” – Jan Scott
• “Invite Jesus into your space and let him be the cornerstone upon which every room is built.” – Jan Scott

Conclusion

Jan wraps up this episode with a heartfelt reminder: avoiding these 10 mistakes isn’t just about saving money—it’s about building a home that’s a true haven. With her practical advice and a touch of faith, she empowers you to approach home buying with confidence and clarity.

Send Jan a text

Follow for Real Estate Tips and Expert Advice!
Looking to buy or sell a home? Tune in for real estate tips, expert advice, and real-life stories to help you navigate the housing market with confidence! 🏡 Plus, get a little mama wisdom to make your home journey smoother.

Have Real Estate Questions or Comments?
I’d love to answer them in an upcoming episode! Don’t hesitate to reach out with your real estate questions, whether it’s about buying, selling, or getting your home ready for the market.

Need a Trusted Realtor?
Connect with me to find a trusted and experienced realtor in your area. Whether you're a first-time home buyer or a seasoned seller, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

Email: jan@yourrealestatemama.com
Follow on Facebook: @YourRealEstateMamaPodcast