Should I do a home inspection?

Yes. Always. Even on new construction, even on a flip with a fresh coat of everything, and even when the market is hot enough that you feel pressure not to. The answers above cover why. Here is what they leave out, and it is the part that costs people money: what a general home inspection does NOT include. A standard inspection is visual and non-invasive. The inspector looks at what they can see and reach. They do not open walls, and there is a specific list of things they typically do not do at all: Sewer lateral. Not scoped. On any home over about forty years old, pay the couple hundred dollars for a sewer scope with a camera. A collapsed or root-invaded lateral is a five-figure repair and it is completely invisible from inside the house. This is the single highest value add-on inspection there is. Radon. Not tested unless you order it. Regional, but where it matters it matters. Wood-destroying organisms. Termites, carpenter ants and dry rot are a separate pest or WDO inspection in most states. Chimneys, wells, septic systems, pools and spas, and anything buried. Usually excluded or given only a cursory look. Mold, asbestos, lead paint. Separate specialists. Regionally there are more. In Florida, insurers commonly want a Four Point inspection and a wind mitigation report, which are underwriting documents rather than condition reports, and you may need them to get coverage at all. So the right question is not "should I inspect," it is "which inspections does THIS house need," and a good agent will tell you based on the age, the systems and the location. Two more things worth knowing. Waiving the inspection contingency is not the same as skipping the inspection. In a competitive situation you can inspect for information only, meaning you still get the report and can still walk away by forfeiting your deposit, but you are not asking the seller for anything. That is a real middle option and it is much safer than going in blind. And do not treat the report as a repair list. It is a condition report, and every house on earth generates one with dozens of items. Read it looking for three categories only: safety, structure, and anything over a few thousand dollars. Everything else is homeownership. Go to the inspection. Walk the house with the inspector. What they tell you standing in the crawlspace is worth more than the PDF. This question is from 2021, and inspection practices in competitive markets have shifted since, but nothing above has changed. I am a real estate professional, not an inspector. I work in Los Angeles and the South Bay, and I am happy to help you find a good agent or inspector wherever you are buying. Zoltan Peresztegi, Los Angeles and South Bay real estate professional

Yes, you should absolutely get a home inspection. A professional inspection is essential for revealing hidden, costly, or dangerous defects in a property such as electrical, plumbing, or structural issues, before you are legally committed, potentially saving you thousands in repair costs. Good luck! Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Real Estate Operations in ALL 50 States

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

Yes

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.

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.

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.