Buying your first home is one of the largest financial decisions of your life — and one of the most emotionally charged. The inspection is your one opportunity, before you commit, to find out exactly what you are buying. Michael Del Greco has guided more than 13,000 New Jersey home buyers through that process since 1993, including thousands of first-time buyers who walked in knowing very little about homes and walked out knowing everything about the one they were about to purchase.
Michael’s approach is straightforward. He tells you what is wrong, why it is wrong, and what to do about it — in plain language, without minimizing anything. He is not part of the sales team. His only loyalty is to you.
(973) 812-5100 — 8 AM to 8 PM weekdays, 8 AM to 5 PM weekends
The Questions First-Time Buyers Ask Us Most
“I don’t know anything about houses. Will I understand the inspection?”
Michael shows you every finding in person. You don’t just hear about a problem — you see it, with Michael pointing at it and explaining exactly what it is, why it matters, and what needs to happen. There is no such thing as a dumb question. He will not move on until you understand what he found.
“What if there are major problems with the home?”
Michael will tell you. He has no financial reason to minimize findings, because his business does not depend on real estate agent referrals. If a home has serious problems, you will know about them — in plain language, with photographic documentation. What you do with that information is your decision. His job is to make sure you have the complete picture.
“How do I use the report to negotiate?”
Your report is your leverage. It documents every deficiency with photographs and authoritative references that substantiate Michael’s findings. Sellers and agents frequently dispute inspection findings — these references give you the documentation to push back. Michael’s clients have used his reports to negotiate price reductions, require corrective actions before closing, and in some cases decide not to purchase a property at all. You receive your report the same day as the inspection, giving you maximum time before your contingency deadline to decide how to proceed.
“Can my real estate agent choose my home inspector?”
No. You have the sole and exclusive right to choose your own home inspector. Your agent may suggest someone, but the decision is entirely yours — and it matters.
What Happens During Your Inspection
Michael arrives before you. When you get there, he walks you through every system in the home: roof, structure, foundation, exterior, electrical, plumbing, heating, cooling, attic, basement or crawl space, and all rooms. When he finds a problem, he shows it to you directly. He explains what it is, why it matters, and what kind of professional needs to evaluate or correct it. He answers every question on the spot.
Before he leaves, you receive a printed binder with a summary of findings and a pre-closing walk-through checklist. That same day — typically that evening — you receive a detailed digital report with photographs by SMS and email. Michael writes every report himself. It is never delegated to staff and never software-generated.
What First-Time Buyers Say
“As a first time home buyer, I felt Michael had my best interest vs realtor or seller so it feels you’re truly getting an honest inspection. His teaching points throughout the inspection were helpful and gives an idea of what can be done yourself vs must be done by a certified professional.”
— Erek L., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Google Review
“Michael performed our home inspection as first time home buyers. He walked us through every step, was extremely thorough, was very willing to answer questions, and even asked us after each room if we had any questions. It was a true learning experience.”
— Jarod C., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Google Review
“Writing this review for first time homebuyers and women — I can’t recommend Michael enough. He really does go above and beyond. He makes it clear there’s no such thing as a dumb question. Even after the home inspection is done, he encourages you to reach out if there are any questions or concerns.”
— Ashley T., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Google Review
Why Independence From Agents Matters for First-Time Buyers
Most home inspectors in New Jersey get their business from real estate agents. That creates a conflict of interest: an inspector who finds too much wrong with a home risks losing future agent referrals. The financial incentive to minimize findings is real — and many first-time buyers never know it is happening.
Michael does not solicit referrals from real estate agents. His loyalty is solely to the buyer. His business is built on 485+ Reviews Verified by Google from past clients and referrals from real estate attorneys who value honest, thorough inspection work.
Your Presence Is Required
Your attendance at the inspection is mandatory. Michael does not perform inspections without the client present. Being there in person lets you see every finding firsthand, ask questions on the spot, and leave with a clear, confident understanding of the property.
Additional Services to Consider
- Radon Testing — Northern NJ has elevated radon levels. Michael is a licensed Radon Measurement Technician (#MET10521) since 1993.
- Wood Destroying Insect (WDI) Inspection — Most lenders require a clean WDI certificate before issuing a mortgage.
- Underground Oil Tank Sweep — If the home was built before 1980, a buried heating oil tank may be present.
Frequently Asked Questions for First-Time Buyers
How long does a home inspection take?
For an average-size home, plan on 2–3 hours. Michael never rushes — the inspection ends when it is complete and all your questions are answered.
Will I understand the inspection report?
Yes. Michael writes his reports in plain English without jargon. Every finding includes a photograph and a clear explanation of what it is, why it matters, and what to do about it.
What is a Certified Master Inspector?
Certified Master Inspector (CMI) is the highest professional designation in home inspection, held by fewer than 3% of inspectors nationwide. Michael holds the CMI Instructor credential as well. When you hire Michael, you are hiring one of the most credentialed home inspectors in New Jersey.
Ready to Schedule Your Inspection?
The fastest way to schedule is to call.
(973) 812-5100
Monday–Friday: 8 AM to 8 PM | Weekends: 8 AM to 5 PM
To see why buyers trust us, learn more about our Home Inspections — Expert Home Inspections Since 1993.
