If you think you do not need a home inspection, think again.

There is no legitimate reason I can think of to waive having a home inspection when purchasing a house. The cost of the inspection prior to closing could save you thousands of dollars you might otherwise have to pay out for unseen damage or problems that need repaired or replaced. Why would a buyer take a chance and buy a home that has not been inspected?

Bad advice

Someone has told the buyer that there is no need for an inspection.

It could be the jack-of-all-trades family member/friend trying to save the purchaser a few hundred dollars. Armed with just enough knowledge to be dangerous, they will take a quick look around the house and offer their seal of approval without doing a thorough inspection.

Perhaps it is the real estate agent who is giving the bad advice. Shame on any real estate agent who would tell a home buyer there is no need for a home inspection. Buyers should ignore this wrong advice and hire an inspector anyway. The buyer should also pick up the phone and call the agent’s broker and let them know that their agent suggested you not have an inspection.

It is a new/renovated home

Buyers might be lured into a false sense of security and decide against having an inspection when purchasing a new home or a home that has been recently renovated by the seller. There is no doubt that we have some of the very best home builders here in Central Florida. The quality of the homes being built is second to none. But even the Central Florida builders understand the importance of a buyer having their homes inspected prior to closing. The same is true of homes that have been renovated. Just because the seller says repairs or renovations have been made to the home recently does not eliminate the need for an inspection.

The bottom line is if you are buying a home, have it inspected. In our office if a buyer chooses to not have a home inspection they are going to have to sign a waiver acknowledging that this is their decision. The waiver has language that makes it clear that we, as a real estate company, do not encourage this course of action.