All Things Home Inspections: Conversation with Jesse McCormick

When it comes to buying a home, most people expect the home inspection to be a straightforward checkpoint—a formality between the offer and the closing table. But as any seasoned Realtor or inspector knows, there’s much more nuance (and a few surprises) involved. In this episode of Selling Greenville, Stan sat down with Jesse McCormick, owner of Ace Home Inspections, to unpack what really happens during a home inspection—from the biggest misconceptions to the strangest discoveries (spoiler: one involves an alligator on a roof).

All Things Home Inspection

When asked about the home inspection in his line of work, Jesse didn’t hesitate:

“People think the inspection report is a punch list for sellers to fix—like everything listed must be repaired.”

That, he explains, is far from the truth. A home inspection is an evaluation of a home’s condition, not a mandatory to-do list. It’s up to the buyer and seller (guided by their agents) to decide what repairs are worth negotiating. Jesse’s role is to present the facts clearly, noting which issues are major, minor, or purely cosmetic—without creating unnecessary panic.

He’s also candid about the balance between thoroughness and clarity. His longest report? Over 100 pages on an old home filled with surprises. “Sometimes I feel bad if a report gets too long,” he jokes, “but I’d rather over-communicate than leave something unclear.”

How a Good Home Inspector Protects You

Over five years in business, Jesse’s inspected everything from downtown bungalows to brand-new luxury builds—and he’s managed to keep a spotless record: no lawsuits, no major disputes. The key, he says, is simple diligence.

He recalls one inspection of newly built duplexes where he found active moisture behind a baseboard just days before the investor’s closing. The builder and buyer were both on-site, and all were stunned. “They’d been through the property multiple times and didn’t catch it,” Jesse said. “Catching that leak before tenants moved in saved everyone a huge headache.”

Without that discovery, the leak could have turned into a mold problem within weeks. “It’s little things like that,” he adds, “that make buyers realize why an inspection matters—even for new construction.”

The Weirdest Home Inspection Find Yet

Then there’s the story that’s become local legend: the rooftop alligator. While inspecting a home near downtown Greenville, Jesse noticed what looked like a five-foot alligator perched on a neighboring roof. “I about fell off the ladder,” he laughed. “Turned out it was fake—some kind of sun-bleached decoration—but it caught me completely off guard.”

He says humor helps in a job that can easily turn stressful. “You crawl through tight crawl spaces, find weird stuff, sometimes deal with cranky homeowners—it helps to laugh.”

From Inspector to Investor

Jesse isn’t just inspecting homes—he’s buying them too. Over the years, he’s purchased several investment properties and even earned his real estate license. That dual perspective, he says, changes how he evaluates houses.

“Before I even go look at a property, I’m running numbers,” Jesse explains. “It’s all about equity and value. What’s it worth? What’s it going to cost to fix?”

His top priorities are the “big ticket” systems—roof, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical—but nothing is necessarily a dealbreaker. “Almost everything can be fixed,” he says, “it’s just a question of cost.”

He admits termites can give him pause, though. “A little damage isn’t a big deal,” he notes, “but widespread termite damage? That’s where I start thinking twice.”

Seller Disclosures and the Things People “Didn’t Know”

Stan asked whether sellers often “forget” to disclose known issues. Jesse’s answer was diplomatic—but revealing. “It’s fairly common,” he said. “Sometimes sellers genuinely don’t realize there’s a problem. Other times, let’s just say there’s a rug over suspicious tile.”

The most common hidden issues? Moisture and plumbing leaks, especially in crawl spaces. “You’d be amazed at what happens under a house,” Jesse said. “Moisture, poor ventilation, and small leaks—those are the big ones sellers miss.”

The Cracks that Scare Buyers (and the Ones That Should)

Few things spook buyers like the word settling. But Jesse says not all cracks are created equal. “On a slab foundation, small perimeter cracks are normal,” he explains. “It’s when there’s displacement or a diagonal crack running through drywall that you start paying attention.”

He’s even seen cases where a slab crack showed through vinyl plank flooring in a subtle zigzag pattern—only visible when light hit it at the right angle. “That’s when I dig deeper,” he says. “Is it just cosmetic or structural? ”

And while diagonal cracks off a door frame can look ominous, they’re often harmless. “Horizontal cracks,” he warns, “are more concerning.”

As for the slab vs. crawl space debate, Jesse stays neutral. “Every foundation type has pros and cons,” he says. “Slabs can hide leaks. Crawl spaces can trap moisture. It’s all about maintenance.”

New Construction Isn’t Exempt

One of the biggest surprises for buyers? New construction still needs an inspection.

Builders often assure buyers that “county inspectors already checked it,” but Jesse laughs at that idea. “County inspectors are making sure homes meet code,” he says. “They’re not checking for reversed hot and cold lines or missing caps in plumbing walls.”

Case in point: Jesse once found hot water running to two toilets in a $500,000 new build. Another time, a missing clean-out cap hidden behind drywall led to a mini flood when he turned on multiple faucets at once.

“These aren’t one-in-a-million issues,” he says. “They happen all the time.”

What Buyers Tend to Overreact (or Underreact) To

Some buyers panic over chipped paint or worn floors while shrugging off a 25-year-old HVAC system. Jesse laughs, “They’ll ask me, ‘So, will this unit last five more years? ’ I tell them, ‘Maybe. Maybe five days.’”

He also notes that minor settling cracks or plumbing drips often create outsized anxiety. Meanwhile, things like improper grading or old electrical panels sometimes get less attention than they deserve. “Aesthetic issues grab emotion,” he explains, “but it’s the unseen stuff that costs money.”

The Realtor–Inspector Relationship

When asked what sets great Realtors apart, Jesse didn’t hesitate:

“The best ones care more about their clients than the closing table.”

He appreciates agents who prep clients for what’s coming, stay calm when reports look long, and approach issues collaboratively rather than defensively. “My job isn’t to kill deals,” he says. “It’s to give honest, clear feedback. The good Realtors understand that.”

How to Contact Jesse McCormick

You can reach Jesse McCormick at Ace Home Inspections, serving Greenville, Spartanburg, andthe  surrounding Upstate areas. 

📧 Email: acemcinspections@gmail.com 

 🌐 Website: www.acehomeinspectionsupstate.com

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Bottom Line

Home inspections aren’t deal-killers—they’re deal-protectors. The right inspector doesn’t just find defects; he helps buyers make informed choices. As Jesse McCormick’s stories show, a good inspection can save thousands, uncover hidden leaks, or simply bring peace of mind that your investment is sound.

Whether it’s a century-old bungalow or a gleaming new build, every home has secrets—and a skilled inspector helps reveal them before they become regrets.

Ien Araneta

Journal & Podcast Editor | Selling Greenville