From Dojo to Doorframes: How Dominick Panetta is Redefining Home Inspections on Long Island

What do martial arts and home inspections have in common? For Dominick Panetta, it’s all about discipline, awareness, and helping people feel prepared for what’s coming next.

Dominick is the founder of Panetta Home Inspections, a trusted name across Long Island real estate. But before he was climbing into attics and peeking under boilers, he spent more than 30 years teaching karate in Huntington, New York.

Today, Dominick brings that same calm, clear, and focused approach to helping buyers and sellers through one of the biggest purchases of their lives: a home.

Let’s take a look at how his story unfolded — and what every homeowner, buyer, and seller should know before skipping a home inspection.

🥋 A Pandemic Pivot: From Karate School to Crawlspaces

When COVID-19 hit in 2020, Dominick’s thriving martial arts business was forced to close its doors temporarily. Like many business owners, he had to make a choice.

“I lost half my business almost overnight,” he explained. “I had to do something to support my family.”

Dominick had been doing home inspections part-time for nearly 10 years. But with the uncertainty of the pandemic, he made the decision to go all in. Panetta Home Inspections became his full-time focus, and it turned out to be the right move at the right time.

🧰 What a Home Inspector Actually Does

Here’s the thing many buyers get wrong: a home inspection is not about passing or failing a home. It’s about understanding what you’re walking into.

Dominick explains it this way:

“My job is to look around and report what I see. I don’t fix things. I don’t quote prices. I don’t tell you whether to buy or walk away. I give you the information, and you decide what to do with it.”

He inspects everything visible — the roof, the foundation, the electrical panel, heating systems, and plumbing. But it’s a visual, non-invasive inspection. That means no knocking down walls or pulling up floors.

If something serious is spotted — like a crack in the foundation or signs of electrical issues — he recommends calling in a specialist like an engineer, roofer, or licensed contractor.

🚫 The Risk of Skipping an Inspection

In competitive markets, many buyers think skipping the inspection gives them an edge. But Dominick warns that it’s a gamble you may regret.

“You wouldn’t buy a car without looking under the hood. Why would you buy a house without knowing what’s inside?”

He does offer a middle ground: “informational-only inspections.” These allow the buyer to learn about the home without using the report to renegotiate. It keeps the process moving — and gives peace of mind.

🧑‍🏫 The Walk-and-Talk Approach

Dominick encourages buyers to attend the inspection and follow him around. That way, he can show them things in real time.

“Most first-time buyers have no idea what anything in the house does,” he says. “They don’t know where the water shut-off is. They don’t know which switch turns on which light. That’s what I’m here for.”

He even compares it to getting a new car without learning how to use the features. “You’re handed the keys, and now what?”

💡 Homeowners: Do This Before You Sell

Dominick is a big fan of pre-listing inspections. This is when a seller gets an inspection before putting the house on the market.

Why does it matter?

• You can fix small things that might scare buyers off

• You avoid surprises during escrow

• You control the narrative around issues that come up

• You show buyers that you're transparent and prepared

“If you’re selling a house ‘as-is,’ fine — but know what ‘as-is’ really means,” Dominick says. “You still need working heat, no safety issues, and no major leaks.”

⚡️ One Outlet = One Big Red Flag

You might think a loose outlet cover isn’t a big deal. But for buyers, it raises questions:

• “If that outlet is bad, how many others are?”

• “Is the wiring safe?”

• “What else hasn’t been maintained?”

Fixing small cosmetic issues before listing your home can make a huge impact. One problem can spiral into buyer anxiety — and possibly a lost deal.

📷 The Power of Photos

Dominick takes lots of pictures during each inspection. Even if they don’t make it into the final report, he keeps them on file.

One time, a buyer spotted a ceiling leak three months after the inspection and thought it had been missed. Dominick checked his files and found a clear photo of the same ceiling — no leak in sight.

“Turns out it was a new leak. They were able to show that to the seller and got compensated for the repair.”

💬 The Calm Voice Buyers Need

Not all inspectors are created equal.

Some go into full alarm mode when they find something. Others stay too quiet and gloss over serious issues. Dominick strikes a balance.

“I point out everything I see, but I explain it in a calm way,” he says. “Anything can be fixed. It’s just a matter of cost.”

This calm, educational style earns him praise from buyers and agents — because it keeps the deal on track while protecting everyone’s interests.

🧱 What If the House Has Problems?

Dominick gets asked all the time: “Would you buy this house?”

His answer? “That depends on the price.”

A house with issues isn’t always a deal-breaker. If the price is right, and you’re ready to make repairs, it could still be a great investment. The key is knowing what you’re buying.

✅ Dominick’s Top Tips for Buyers & Sellers

Buyers:

• Never waive the inspection (unless you’re tearing the house down)

• Be present during the walkthrough

• Ask questions — no question is too small

• Don’t panic — most things can be fixed

Sellers:

• Do a pre-listing inspection

• Fix cosmetic issues (like outlet covers, paint touch-ups, loose doors)

• Treat your own house like you’re seeing it for the first time

• Use oil-based primer to cover water stains properly — not just paint!

📞 How to Reach Dominick Panetta

Want to schedule a home inspection on Long Island or nearby?

📞 Call: (516) 301-0391
📧 Email: panettahomeinspections@gmail.com
📲 Instagram: @panetta_home_inspections
📘 Facebook: Panetta Home Inspections

🔗 Final Thoughts: The Dream Is Real — and Inspected

Whether you're buying, selling, or just planning your next move, a trusted home inspection can be the difference between peace of mind and buyer's remorse.

Dominick Panetta combines decades of discipline, honesty, and hands-on know-how to help New Yorkers make smarter, safer decisions in real estate.

For more episodes, expert tips, and real estate insights, follow the Dream is Real Podcast — and always remember:

👉 Visit www.dreamselectrealty.com for the latest Long Island listings, news, and homebuyer resources.

Because whether it’s your first home or your forever home —
The Dream is Real. 🏡✨