When you discover the home you've been dreaming of, it's natural to get swept up in the excitement. You've walked through the space, envisioned where your furniture will go, and maybe even imagined sipping your morning coffee on the porch. The last thing on your mind is the idea of slowing things down with more steps or potentially losing it to another buyer who opted out of their inspection.

But here’s the deal. Purchasing a home is one of the largest financial decisions you’ll face. Even if that house looks just right, forgoing a home inspection can be a gamble that may cost you far more than just time.

What Exactly Is a Home Inspection?

A home inspection provides an in-depth look at the condition of the house, typically after your offer has been accepted but before you close the deal. What gets covered can differ by state, but generally, an inspector will examine the home's major systems and structure, including the roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical systems, HVAC, and more.

Why an Inspection Is Worth It

Here’s a quick overview of some of the major advantages of having an inspection done.

• It helps you steer clear of unexpected surprises. A home might look perfect for moving in, but there could be problems you missed during your initial visit. It’s crucial to know about these issues before closing day, so you can get a clearer picture of what repairs or updates might be needed in the home.

• It boosts your negotiating power. If the inspection reveals any issues, you might want to discuss those with the seller. This is where your agent can really help. Together, you can request that the seller make repairs before the closing day or ask for a credit so you can manage the repairs on your own.

• It gives you peace of mind. Purchasing a home can be an emotional journey, especially after a lengthy search. An inspection alleviates some of that uncertainty, allowing you to proceed with confidence.

Spending a few hundred dollars upfront on a home inspection can help you avoid unexpected repair costs that could add up to thousands later on. As the National Association of Realtors (NAR) points out:

““Failure to obtain a home inspection could potentially cost you a great deal of money and hassles in the long run.”
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— National Association of Realtors (NAR)

Why You Don’t Want To Waive Your Inspection

Recent data from the National Association of Realtors reveals that almost 25% of home buyers are choosing to waive the inspection contingency when purchasing a home. With spring being the prime season for home buying and buyer interest already picking up, you might be considering this option as well. According to Realtor.com

““ . . . 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.”
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— Realtor.com

Skipping the inspection can be a risky move that may not work out in your favor. Keep in mind that there are plenty of other ways to make your offer stand out to sellers. For instance, being flexible with the closing date can really help. Before you make an offer, have a chat with your agent about alternative strategies to grab a seller's attention while still keeping your peace of mind intact.

Bottom Line

Skipping an inspection might seem like a quick way to make your offer stand out or speed up the process, but it comes with significant risks. It's not just about saving time and paperwork—getting an inspection is a wise move that safeguards your finances, protects your investment, and ensures a secure future.

If you could ask a home inspector one question before making your purchase, what would it be? Share it with me, and I’ll ensure it’s the first topic we discuss.