Short answer: as a buyer, almost never skip it. A home inspection is a few hundred dollars that can save you from a five-figure surprise, and it is the cheapest insurance in the entire purchase. Here is the nuance, because I know why you are asking. In competitive markets, buyers sometimes waive inspections to make their offer stand out. I understand the temptation, but waiving means you are buying blind: the roof, the sewer line, the electrical, the foundation, all unknown. If you feel you must compete on this, there is a middle path many buyers miss, an information-only inspection. You still inspect and learn everything, but you agree not to ask for repairs. You keep your eyes open while still writing a clean offer. A couple of things worth adding: - Add specialists where the house warrants it. A general inspection is the starting point; on older homes I would also scope the sewer line and look hard at the roof, electrical panel, and HVAC. - Sellers benefit too. A pre-listing inspection lets you fix or price issues on your terms rather than during a stressful escrow renegotiation. - Use it to plan, not just to panic. Even a clean inspection tells you what to budget for over the next five years. The only buyers who can reasonably consider skipping are all-cash buyers who fully understand and accept the risk, and even then I usually advise against it. I am Zoltan Peresztegi, a Realtor, SRES, and Palos Verdes and South Bay specialist in Los Angeles. If you are local I am glad to walk you through it, and if not I can connect you with a strong agent from my network in your area. Zoltan


