Is Home Inspection a Good Idea When Buying a Home?

To avoid purchasing a home that has hidden damage home buyers are seeking the services of a home inspection service. In some areas buyers are opting out of the home inspection. Is this a good idea?

To Inspect or Not To Inspect

It is almost certain that if two offers were presented to a seller and one required a home inspection while the other did not, that the seller, provided the offers were equal would choose the one without the home inspection. In this case the home inspection requirement can put the buyer at a disadvantage. What if the purchase a home that has foundation problems which are later expensive to repair? What if the plumbing is bad? What if the repairs could add up to excessive dollar amounts?

One way around this is to provide a clause in your offer that requests a home inspection done for informational purposes only. This allows the seller to know that the purchase is not determined by the condition of the property when determined through the inspection. There is no option to have the seller make repairs prior to its sale nor would you be able to void the proposal even when serious problems are uncovered. However, should the property inspection discover serious problems the seller will know that the deal is in jeopardy as the property was not presented properly.

Another option is a sub rosa inspection. Should you happen to have a friend in the engineering or construction field then ask them to walk through the property with you. They should be able to alert you to any red flags.

If nothing of great concern is discovered then you can securely write the contract offer without contingencies. These are the best deals for the sellers, as they love them. You still have the assurance that there is nothing wrong with the home and you get the house that you want.

The answer to home inspection or not is that there is no right or wrong answer. It all depends on the risk that the buyer is willing to take. Also, if you are the only person presenting an offer, then obviously, a home inspection should occur. If you are one of many potential buyers, then the decision is up to you...but be comfortable with it. This is the best answer that is available. Your level of comfort is the priority and what will make the difference.