TREC LIC. #26322-PI  •  WDI LIC. #0995554  •  INSURED Mon–Sat 7 AM – 10 PM  |  📞 (903) 808-3898
Cardinal Home Inspections
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New to All This? Start Here.

No pressure and nothing to sign. Tell me which one sounds like you and I'll point you at the right things to read first.

200% Satisfaction Guarantee 90-Day Inspection Warranty Buyer's Protection Plan Cardinal DealGuard

I've never had a home inspection done. Where do I start?

Start with what an inspection actually involves: a licensed inspector spends 2.5 to 4 hours evaluating the home's roof, structure, foundation, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and other systems, then delivers a written report with photos. In Texas, buyers typically schedule during the option period — the negotiated window after a contract is signed when you can still terminate. At Cardinal Home Inspections, reports come back within 12 hours, inspections run $375–$600 depending on the home, and you're encouraged to attend and ask questions. You don't need to know anything going in; explaining it is part of the job.

Time on site
2.5–4 hours
Typical cost
$375–$600
Report delivered
Within 12 hours
Cost to ask questions
Nothing
Pick Your Path

Which One Sounds Like You?

🏠

I'm buying a house

You're probably in your option period with a clock running. Here's the order I'd go in:

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I'm selling a house

Getting inspected before you list puts you in control instead of reacting to a buyer's report:

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I already own my home

Maintenance beats emergencies every time. Start here:

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I'm a real estate agent

Here's what your clients most often ask me, in a form you can forward:

Still Just Looking?

That's Completely Fine

You don't have to book anything to talk to me. If you've got a question about a house you're considering — or a house you already own — call or text and ask. I'd genuinely rather answer a question than have somebody guess about something expensive.

No sales pitch, no follow-up campaign, no adding you to a list. That's not how I run this.

📖 Just want to learn?

Anatomy of a Home Inspection walks through all ten systems I check, with photos and diagrams.

Curious how long things last?

The life expectancy tables cover HVAC, plumbing, and electrical, plus what East Texas weather does to them.

Have a specific question?

The FAQ covers cost, timing, reports, warranties, and what's included.

Wondering if I come to you?

I cover about 80 miles around Tyler — see the towns.

On the Job

The Person Who Shows Up

Every inspection on this site was done by the man in these photographs.

Jeff Stalnaker pointing out damaged siding on the exterior wall of a house during an inspection
This is the part people remember — standing at the house together while I point at the thing and explain what it means. The report just writes it down afterwards.
Jeff Stalnaker standing at the Cardinal Home Inspections booth at a local event, with brochures and a drone on the table
Cardinal is one person. When you call, you get me — not a scheduler, not whoever is free on Thursday.
Illustration of Jeff Stalnaker holding a small model house

Nobody expects you to already know this

You buy two or three houses in a lifetime. There's no reason you should already know what a kick-out flashing is, or which cracks matter. That's my job. Pick whichever path below fits where you are right now.

Video

Watch: 60 Seconds on This

Sixty seconds, no jargon. Same thing I'd tell you standing in the driveway.

A Home Inspection Isn't Pass/Fail There's no passing grade. An inspection is a condition report, not a test — and understanding that changes how you read every page of it. Watch on YouTube ↗
The House Doesn't Lie Fresh paint and a good listing photo don't reach the attic, the crawl space, or the panel. Those are the parts that tell the truth. Watch on YouTube ↗
Fear vs. Information A long report isn't bad news. Not knowing is bad news. What you're actually buying is the ability to make the decision with your eyes open. Watch on YouTube ↗
Deal-Breakers Are Rarer Than You Think Sort the findings into safety, major systems, maintenance, and cosmetic. Most of any report is the last two. Watch on YouTube ↗

More videos on my channel ↗

200% Satisfaction Guarantee — Cardinal Home Inspections

200% Satisfaction Guarantee

Your peace of mind matters. If you're not completely satisfied at the time of the inspection, I refund your inspection fee and pay for another licensed inspector of your choice, up to the original inspection fee. I can offer that because I stand behind every single report I write. Simple as that.

Ready When You Are — No Rush

Book online in about two minutes, or call and ask me anything first. Both work.

📅 Book Your Inspection   📞 (903) 808-3898