The market right now is crazy. But you already knew that, because you're on my website. Unfortunately, many buyers are finding themselves in a position where they feel it is necessary to waive their inspection periods in order to make their offer more appealing. So, what do you do now?
This might come as a surprise, but as a home inspector I strongly recommend that you get a home inspection as soon as possible! There are four main reasons why:
Home inspections let you know what maintenance and repairs need to be made. Hopefully, BEFORE it becomes a big issue. Unless you are a general contractor with years of experience (and sometimes even then), you might not know what to look for. Some small repairs that might cost you $50 to do yourself could cost you thousands if you don't get them done soon enough. A disconnected downspout is a great example: a few bucks to reconnect it, or thousands of dollars of foundation repairs in a few years. Having a professional, objective view of your home will help you prioritize those repairs to save yourself a lot of money in the long run. You can do this inspection any time, whether you've lived in your home for twenty years or you are just getting ready to move in, but prevention is always, always cheaper.
Home inspections can protect you from dishonest sellers. If you can get your new home inspected before you move in, that gives you a window to make sure that the sellers have left the home in the condition you agreed upon in your contract. Even if you waived your inspection period, you can still get the house checked out by a qualified professional in just a few hours before you start moving your stuff in.
Home inspections can provide you with warranties and documentation for warranties. Hane Home Inspections provides our clients with extensive warranties for free, and the opportunity to get discounted home warranties after the inspection. That can protect you if something unexpected goes wrong. If you already have a home warranty, the warranty company may require proof that anything that breaks down was working when you moved in. Inspectors can provide that for you with a thorough report.
Finally, home inspectors can help you understand your home's systems. If you have never owned a home before, an experienced inspector can walk you through the ins and outs of home maintenance. I always encourage my clients to call or email me with their questions about their home, even long after the inspection is performed. Professional home inspectors are happy to help you be comfortable with your home so that you can get the most value out of it, and so that your family can be as safe as possible.
If you chose to waive your inspection period, you can still gain a lot of valuable information from a post-close inspection. The sooner you get it done, the more value it will provide. It's never too late, but you will always get more out of being proactive.