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Should I waive the home inspection to make my offer stronger?
In a competitive market, I’ve heard buyers sometimes waive inspections. Is that a good idea, or is it too risky?
Asked By Melissa Tellez | Des Moines, IA | 51 views | Buying | Updated 3 days ago
Answers (7)
Jennifer Hupke
RE/MAX Forward
Waiving a home inspection can make your offer more attractive, but it comes with significant risk. If a buyer chooses to waive it, we require a signed waiver because we do not recommend skipping that protection. Without an inspection contingency, you lose the ability to negotiate repairs or identify deferred maintenance items
A common alternative is an inspection gap. For example, on a $400,000 home you might include an inspection but agree not to request repairs for the first $2-10k in defects. That allows you to do your due diligence while giving the seller confidence you won’t be overly nit-picky.
The best strategy depends on the home’s age, condition, and how competitive the situation is, and it’s something a good buyers agent would discuss with you before drafting an offer
A common alternative is an inspection gap. For example, on a $400,000 home you might include an inspection but agree not to request repairs for the first $2-10k in defects. That allows you to do your due diligence while giving the seller confidence you won’t be overly nit-picky.
The best strategy depends on the home’s age, condition, and how competitive the situation is, and it’s something a good buyers agent would discuss with you before drafting an offer
- 3 days ago
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JACQUELYNE HICKS
eXp Realty
NEVER waive a home inspection. Not even on a new build!
- 2 days ago
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Andrew Baker
Iris Inc Realty
Hey Melissa,
My name is Andrew Baker, REALTOR®, ABR®. I'm in Northeast GA and I have primarily worked with buyers over the last couple of years.
I will always recommend my client get a home inspection. And, sincerely, the only exception to that rule is that the buyer feels comfortable not getting one. This really only happens when most of the condition of the home is already known (either really bad or really good).
However, I believe what you are referring to is "waiving the inspection period", otherwise known as the "Due Diligence Period." This can be more common in competitive markets, or when submitting an offer on a competitive listing, where multiple offers are already known to exist. Waiving the due diligence period makes your offer more competitive than one that doesn't. The reason being: Earnest Money. Your Earnest Money is typically fully refundable during the due diligence period, unless stated otherwise. This means, during due diligence, you can back out of the contract for any reason you so choose, and/or you can negotiate further without consequence. Without the protection of due diligence, your earnest money is at stake. Even in these scenarios, I still recommend a home inspection. In any scenario, a ~$500 inspection could save you $1000's.
My name is Andrew Baker, REALTOR®, ABR®. I'm in Northeast GA and I have primarily worked with buyers over the last couple of years.
I will always recommend my client get a home inspection. And, sincerely, the only exception to that rule is that the buyer feels comfortable not getting one. This really only happens when most of the condition of the home is already known (either really bad or really good).
However, I believe what you are referring to is "waiving the inspection period", otherwise known as the "Due Diligence Period." This can be more common in competitive markets, or when submitting an offer on a competitive listing, where multiple offers are already known to exist. Waiving the due diligence period makes your offer more competitive than one that doesn't. The reason being: Earnest Money. Your Earnest Money is typically fully refundable during the due diligence period, unless stated otherwise. This means, during due diligence, you can back out of the contract for any reason you so choose, and/or you can negotiate further without consequence. Without the protection of due diligence, your earnest money is at stake. Even in these scenarios, I still recommend a home inspection. In any scenario, a ~$500 inspection could save you $1000's.
- 3 days ago
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Martin Burke
NorthGroup
Waiving a home inspection can sometimes make an offer more attractive to a seller, but it’s not something buyers should do lightly.
A home inspection is one of the best ways to uncover issues with the property that may not be visible during a showing. Inspectors often identify things like roofing problems, HVAC issues, plumbing concerns, or structural defects that could cost thousands to repair.
When buyers waive the inspection completely, they’re essentially saying “I’m willing to purchase the home as-is, regardless of what problems may exist.”
In extremely competitive markets, some buyers choose to waive inspections to strengthen their offer. However, there are a few safer alternatives that many buyers use instead:
• Shortened inspection period – for example, completing inspections within 3–5 days.
• Inspection for informational purposes only – meaning you won’t request repairs but can still walk away if something major is discovered.
• Higher due diligence or earnest money to show the seller you’re serious.
These strategies can make your offer competitive without completely removing your protection as a buyer.
Every market and every home is different, so the best approach is to work with an experienced local agent who can help you structure a strong offer while still protecting your interests.
If you're buying in New Hill, Apex, or the surrounding Triangle area, I’m always happy to help buyers navigate these decisions and put together competitive offers.
📞 Martin J. Burke – Realtor®
NorthGroup Real Estate
919-609-6842
📧 [email protected]
🌐 martinjburkerealtor.com
Professional marketing. Proven results.
Call Martin today — you’ll be glad you did.
A home inspection is one of the best ways to uncover issues with the property that may not be visible during a showing. Inspectors often identify things like roofing problems, HVAC issues, plumbing concerns, or structural defects that could cost thousands to repair.
When buyers waive the inspection completely, they’re essentially saying “I’m willing to purchase the home as-is, regardless of what problems may exist.”
In extremely competitive markets, some buyers choose to waive inspections to strengthen their offer. However, there are a few safer alternatives that many buyers use instead:
• Shortened inspection period – for example, completing inspections within 3–5 days.
• Inspection for informational purposes only – meaning you won’t request repairs but can still walk away if something major is discovered.
• Higher due diligence or earnest money to show the seller you’re serious.
These strategies can make your offer competitive without completely removing your protection as a buyer.
Every market and every home is different, so the best approach is to work with an experienced local agent who can help you structure a strong offer while still protecting your interests.
If you're buying in New Hill, Apex, or the surrounding Triangle area, I’m always happy to help buyers navigate these decisions and put together competitive offers.
📞 Martin J. Burke – Realtor®
NorthGroup Real Estate
919-609-6842
📧 [email protected]
🌐 martinjburkerealtor.com
Professional marketing. Proven results.
Call Martin today — you’ll be glad you did.
- 2 days ago
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Bobby Poth
Mainframe Real Estate
ABSOLUTELY NOT! There are many other ways to make your offer competitive, including a very short inspection period. There are so many unknowns and for most buyers waiving an inspection would be a tremendous risk.
- 2 days ago
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Joyce Augustson
Jack Conway
It is mandatory now.
- 2 days ago
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Stephanie Mason
Keller Williams Advisors
Personally, I never recommend any of my clients to waive the home inspections. There are too many unknowns that we cannot uncover in the 20-30 minutes we have to look at a property. The inspector will be there for 2-3 hours, evaluating the home from foundation to chimney top. Ask your Realtor how you can remain competitive with an offer while still getting inspections.
- 2 days ago
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