Bluetape Helped Buyers Go From Inspection Panic To

Compass agent Piers Bocock brought clients to a 1961 mid-century modern in Silver Spring, a 3,000-square-foot home with striking architecture and open design. They loved it and submitted an offer that was, to their joy, accepted.

But after inspection, the excitement dimmed. The report flagged issues across nearly every major system: outdated electric panels and ungrounded outlets, aging plumbing including cast-iron piping and leaky fixtures, an HVAC system overdue for replacement, structural concerns from retaining walls to foundation cracks, extensive deferred maintenance, and safety and environmental risks like missing handrails and possible asbestos flooring.

With the inspection contingency deadline looming, Piers needed quick, actionable information. His clients faced tough decisions about major repairs, not just cosmetic updates

Market Trend: 

In July 2025, Redfin reported that buyers cancelled 15.3% of U.S. home-purchase agreements. It was the highest rate since 2017. The leading cause? Issues uncovered during inspection. 

The Bluetape Advantage

While at the inspection, with the concerns mounting, Piers reached out to Bluetape's D.C. Metro market manager, Lori Mankin.

"If we get the inspection report and all of the potential items to fix, how swiftly could you turn round an estimate for my clients? I expect we'll have the report by tonight or tomorrow morning, and we have until 6pm on Wednesday to lift the inspection contingency or void the contract. Having a sense of the cost for all the inspection-identified issues will help make that decision."

Within 24 hours, the team reviewed every flagged item, built out a detailed scope across all trades, and delivered a single, line-by-line estimate his clients could trust.

Instead of chasing bids from multiple vendors, Piers had a full picture in one document. The clients felt confident enough to move forward with the purchase. 

After closing, the buyers hired us to address a focused set of priority repairs. Our team completed masonry and mortar fixes, installed a new electrical panel and safer outlets, stabilized the deck, and sealed critical areas. By move-in day, the buyers could trust that key concerns were handled efficiently, without unnecessary expense or disruption.

• Electrical: replaced outdated panel, added new GFCI outlets, installed breakers for future upgrades

• Masonry: mortar joint repairs at the rear wall, re-pointing around the garage

• Carpentry/Decking: replaced rusted and damaged joist hangers, installed spreader blocks, secured pilings

• Exterior Repairs: sealed wood-to-brick seams, caulked dryer vent, filled/stained siding, reinforced posts

• Safety Enhancements: corrected trip hazards and reinforced exterior supports

Conclusion

Older homes often come with hidden risks, and when inspection contingencies collide with tight timelines, the deal can hang in the balance. For agents, Bluetape provides not just rapid estimates, but the follow-through to complete the work. We give clients clarity at the decision point and confidence once they move in.