What Realtors Should Know About Structural Concerns Before Closing
Structural concerns flagged during home inspections are one of the most common reasons real estate transactions stall or fall through. Understanding when to involve a structural engineer, and what documentation lenders and buyers require, helps real estate professionals manage these situations more effectively.
When an Inspector Recommends a Structural Engineer
If a home inspector recommends a structural engineer's evaluation, treat it as a serious finding. Inspectors are required to recommend further evaluation when they observe conditions beyond their scope. Ignoring this recommendation can expose buyers, sellers, and agents to liability.
What Documentation Lenders Require
Most mortgage lenders require a written engineering report, often PE-stamped, from a licensed structural engineer when a home inspection flags a structural concern. The lender's underwriter may specify the scope of the report or require particular language about conditions.
Timelines and Turnaround
StructSolve understands real estate transaction timelines. Most observation reports are delivered within 2–5 business days of the site visit. Express Engineering Service is available for urgent situations. Contact us with your closing date when requesting service.
Seller Disclosure Considerations
A structural engineering report, even one that documents minor conditions, provides a defensible record of disclosed structural conditions. Sellers who obtain a pre-listing structural assessment reduce the risk of post-sale disputes.
Common Structural Concerns in Real Estate Transactions
Foundation cracks, bowing basement walls, sagging floors, roof framing deflection, and evidence of past repairs are the most common structural concerns that affect real estate transactions. StructSolve evaluates all of these and provides clear written documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. StructSolve can provide documentation formatted to meet lender requirements and communicate directly with loan officers when needed.
Contact StructSolve directly or share our contact page with your client. We are available throughout Iowa, Missouri, and Wisconsin and can confirm service availability and turnaround for your transaction.
Yes. StructSolve is licensed in Iowa, Missouri, and Wisconsin and provides structural engineering services for real estate transactions in all three states.
Have a question about a specific structural concern? Contact StructSolve for clear, professional guidance.
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