Finding the home you want to buy is an exciting moment. You’ve walked through it, imagined your furniture in each room, maybe even pictured sipping your morning coffee on the porch. It’s tempting to keep the momentum going and skip a few steps—especially when you’re eager to make an offer or worried about competing buyers.
But here’s the reality: buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make. No matter how perfect the house may seem, skipping the home inspection could end up costing you far more in the long run. A thorough inspection gives you peace of mind—and protects your investment.
What Exactly Is a Home Inspection?
A home inspection provides a detailed look at the property’s condition—typically after your offer is accepted but before you close. While the specifics can vary by state, most inspections cover the home’s major systems and structural elements. That includes the roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and more. It’s an important step that helps you understand what you’re buying and avoid surprises down the road.
Why an Inspection Is Worth It
Here’s a quick look at some of the key benefits of getting a home inspection:
- Helps you avoid costly surprises.
A home might look move-in ready, but there could be hidden issues you didn’t catch during your tour. An inspection gives you a clearer picture of the property’s condition—so you know what repairs might be needed before closing. - Gives you leverage in negotiations.
If the inspection uncovers problems, you may have room to re-negotiate with the seller. Your agent can guide you through this process—whether it’s asking the seller to make repairs or offering a credit so you can handle them after closing. - Provides peace of mind.
Buying a home can be emotional, especially after a long search. A thorough inspection helps ease uncertainty, so you can move forward with confidence.
Spending a few hundred dollars on an inspection now could save you thousands in unexpected repairs later. As the National Association of Realtors (NAR) puts it:
“Failure to obtain a home inspection could potentially cost you a great deal of money and hassles in the long run.”
Why You Don’t Want To Waive Your Inspection
According to the latest data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), nearly 1 in 4 buyers are choosing to waive—or remove—the home inspection contingency when purchasing a home. And with spring being the peak homebuying season and competition picking up, you might be considering it too.
As Realtor.com explains: “…if you’re in a hot real estate market where homes are getting multiple offers, there might be a temptation to skip an inspection when you really want the house. However, waiving a home inspection comes with sizable risks.”
The truth is, skipping the inspection is a gamble—and one that may not pay off in the long run. The good news? There are other ways to make your offer more appealing to sellers, like being flexible with the closing timeline or increasing your earnest money deposit.
Before making any decisions, talk with your real estate agent. They can help you craft a strong, competitive offer without giving up important protections like the home inspection.
Bottom Line
Even if skipping the inspection seems like a way to speed things up or make your offer more competitive, it’s a risky move. A home inspection isn’t just about checking a box—it’s a smart, strategic step that protects your investment, your finances, and your future.
If you could ask a home inspector just one question before buying, what would it be? Let us know!
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