Should I do a home inspection?

Yes. Always. No exceptions. A home inspection is your opportunity to find out what's actually going on with the property before you own it. The inspector checks the roof, foundation, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, water heater, attic, crawl space, and every major system in the home. Their report tells you what's working, what's not, what's aging, and what could become a problem. Skipping the inspection to save $400 to $600 is one of the worst financial decisions a buyer can make. A missed roof issue, hidden water damage, or failing HVAC system can cost $10K to $30K or more to fix after closing. The inspection fee is insurance against buying someone else's problems. Even in a competitive market where buyers are waiving inspection contingencies to win deals, you should still get an inspection. You can do a pre-offer inspection before submitting your offer so you know what you're getting into without needing the contingency in your contract.

Yes, you should. It’s what tells you what you’re actually buying. Without it, you’re guessing on big things like roof, HVAC, plumbing, electrical. It’s not about finding a perfect house. It’s about knowing what’s coming so you can negotiate, plan, or walk away if needed. Skipping it might make your offer look stronger, but it can cost you a lot more later.

Absolutely. A professional home inspection is one of the best "insurance policies" you can buy when purchasing a house. An inspector will evaluate major systems such as the foundation, roof, electrical, plumbing and HVAC and note safety issues and deferred maintenance that the untrained eye might miss. Paying a few hundred dollars for an inspection can save you thousands in unexpected repairs or give you leverage to negotiate repairs or credits before closing. Even in a hot market where buyers sometimes waive inspection contingencies, it�s still wise to have an inspection for your own information so you understand the home�s condition. Go with a licensed, experienced inspector, attend the inspection if possible and ask questions. The report will help you decide whether to proceed, renegotiate or walk away, and it will give you a road map for future maintenance. Skipping this step means accepting the property "as is" and potentially inheriting costly surprises.

Yes

A home inspection typically includes a thorough examination of the major systems and components of the home, including the roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling systems, and more. The inspector will provide you with a detailed report of their findings, which can help you make an informed decision about whether to move forward with the purchase of the property. While a home inspection may come at an additional cost, it can ultimately save you a lot of money and headaches in the long run by identifying any major issues before you buy the house

Ordering a "pre-listing" home inspection is not required, but it is often recommended for sellers who want to avoid the "deal-killer" surprises that cause roughly 15% to 23% of contracts to fail.

https://www.nsmn.com/why-get-a-home-inspection/

I always recommend buyers do a home inspection. The home inspection is for your benefit. You do not want to purchase a money pit, unless it is a fixer upper handyman special. Doing a home inspection can unmask potential problems that may cost you money in the near future if you decide to purchase. You may also be able to negotiate with the seller some repairs to a property. Just like buying a used car, you want to have the property checked out by a licensed professional.

I always ask the listing agent for copies of all available home inspection reports (property , termite, roof, foundation (if needed), etc.) and the seller's disclosures and questionnaire. They will likely show potential problems with the home. The seller's disclosures and questionnaires would show potential problems with freeway noise, etc. If the home inspection reports are not available from the listing agent, I strongly recommend buyers to conduct their own home inspections. I recommend and schedule the most reputable inspection companies for them.

Yes. EVEN if you are handy yourself. I recommend getting a pro to crawl into the crawl space and into the attic. They get paid to find everything wrong so you can make an informed decision. Agents can also request repairs based on the report given. Best money spent in a home purchase is the inspection.