Why You Should Never Skip a Home Inspection When Buying a Home

If you’re in the market to buy a home, you’re probably thinking about the offer, the price, and the excitement of moving in. But before you get too far ahead, there’s one step that could save you headaches and added expenses down the road — the home inspection.

What Is a Home Inspection?

Once your offer is accepted, a licensed home inspector evaluates the condition of the property. While every state may have slightly different guidelines, inspectors typically check critical systems and structures, including:

This thorough check-up gives you a clearer understanding of what you’re buying, beyond what you see during your initial walkthrough.

Why Some Buyers Skip It (And Why You Shouldn’t)

In competitive markets, it’s common to hear about buyers waiving inspections to make their offers more appealing. In fact, about 1 in 5 buyers today are skipping this important step in hopes of standing out to sellers. But that decision can come with sizable risks.

Why You Don’t Want to Skip This Step

• Helps You Avoid Surprises:
  You might uncover issues you didn’t notice during your visit, saving you from unexpected and costly repairs later.
• Gives You Negotiating Power:
  Your agent can use the inspection report to negotiate with the seller, whether that means requesting repairs, price adjustments, or seller credits.
• Outlines Future Projects:
  Even if you accept the home as-is, the report provides a helpful list of future maintenance or upgrades to prioritize after you move in.

The Bottom Line

While skipping an inspection might seem like a smart move to win in a competitive market, it could cost you more in the long run. An inspection is your chance to protect your investment, avoid costly problems, and move forward with peace of mind.

Let’s connect to talk about how you can make your offer stand out without giving up the protection of a home inspection.

Content contributed by Keeping Current Matters