Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you will ever make. And no matter how perfect that house seems, skipping a home inspection is a risk that could cost you a lot more than just time.
What Exactly is a Home Inspection?
A home inspection gives you a detailed look at the home’s condition, usually after your offer’s accepted but before closing. While what’s covered varies by state, an inspector usually goes over the home’s major systems and structure, includng things like the roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical, HVAC and more.
Why an Inspection is Worth It
Here’s a quick rundown of some of the biggest benefits of getting an inspection.
- Helps you avoid unpleasant surprises. A house might seem move-in ready, but could have issues you didn’t see during your walkthrough. Knowing about these before closing day is important. That way, you have a better idea of what work may need to be done to the home.
- Gives you negotiating power. Depending on what the inspection turns up, you may want to re-negotiate with the seller. For that, lean on me. With my help, you can ask the seller to handle repairs before closing day or provide a credit so you can take care of them yourself.
- Offters you peace of mind. Buying a home is emotional, especially if you have been searching for a while. An inspection helps take some of the uncertainty off your plate, so you can move forward with confidence.
A few hundred dollars upfront for the home inspection could save you thousands in surprise repairs later.
Why You Don’t Want to Waive Your Inspection
According to the latest data from NAR, nearly 1 in 4 buyers are waiving (or removing) the inspection contingency when they buy a home. And with spring being peak homebuying season and buyer activity already heating up, you may be thinking about doing that yourself.
But skipping the inspection is a gamble that doesn’t necessarily pay off. Just remember, there are other ways to make your offer attractive to sellers, like being flexible with the closing date. Before making an offer, talk to me about other ways to get a seller’s attention without sacrificing your peace of mind.