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- Written by Eddie
Should You Waive a Home Inspection? The Rewards and Risks
With today’s competitive housing market, particularly in regions such as Metro Detroit and Oakland County, some buyers are pressured into waiving the home inspection to help their offer get accepted. Although this practice is attractive to sellers, there are serious pitfalls to it.
Here is what you need to think about prior to forgoing the inspection:
Why Some Purchasers Waive Inspections:
- To compete in bidding wars
- To accelerate the closing procedure
- In order to make their offer more appealing to the seller
Waiving the inspection can be an advantage, but it is also a matter of forgoing your right to discover hidden issues before you close the deal.
The Risks of Waiving a Home Inspection:
- Concealed structural problems – Foundation cracks, roof leaks, or antiquated plumbing may not be apparent on a quick walk-through.
- Major repair expenses – Repair expenses for HVAC, electrical, or water damage can cost you thousands of dollars out-of-pocket if you purchase a home with such problems.
- Safety hazards – Mold, asbestos, or outdated wiring may not be seen but can lead to serious health problems.
- No negotiating leverage – It is hard to ask the seller for repairs or credits without an inspection report.
Are There Any Circumstances Under Which Waiving Makes Sense?
- New houses with builder warranties
- Investment properties where you intend significant renovations anyway
- Pre-inspected houses where the seller offers a recent, reputable inspection report
Even in these instances, it’s wise to at least walk through with a licensed contractor or inspector for peace of mind.
Intelligent Options Instead of Waiving the Inspection:
- Reduce the inspection period (e.g., 3–5 days) to reflect urgency
- Make the inspection “informational only”, which means you don’t request repairs but still would like to know what you are purchasing
- Pre-inspect prior to making an offer, if the seller permits it
See What You Qualify For
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SeeOpenHomes.com makes the buying process less pressurized and more in your control.
Tour open homes freely, on your schedule.
Receive advice on what to search for, even prior to hiring an inspector.
Reach out to trusted professionals, so you can make intelligent decisions, even in a competitive market.
Before you waive your right to inspect, think carefully about the risks. With SeeOpenHomes.com, you’re in the position to make the smart choice, not always the speedy one.
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