What are the Risks of Waiving a Home Inspection?

When the real estate market gets competitive, as it often does buying a home in St. George, buyers may feel pressure to make their offers stand out. One way some buyers try to do this is by waiving the home inspection contingency. Sometimes, it can make your offer more attractive to sellers, but before you skip this important step it’s critical to understand the risks you’re taking and how they can cost you far more in the long run.

Buying Without an Inspection is Like Signing a Blank Check

The most obvious risk of waiving the home inspection is not knowing what’s beneath the surface. A house may look beautiful and move-in ready, but what lies behind the walls or under the floorboards could be an entirely different story. If you're comfortable gambling with this decision and have the ability to handle whatever repairs may come up, it may be worth it to you to take the risk. However, keep in mind that you're almost signing a blank check; buying a home without knowing what it's going to cost you in the upcoming years. 

All kinds of costly issues may be hidden beneath the surface. In St. George’s desert climate, common issues include:

• Foundation cracks from shifting soils
• Roof damage from sun exposure
• HVAC issues due to heavy use in hot summers
• Plumbing concerns, especially with older homes or hard water wear
• Past water damage that has led to mold

Without a professional inspection, these problems might go undetected until after you’ve moved in, when all the repairs become your responsibility.

You're Forfeiting Some Negotiation Power

While there may be some competitive value to waiving the inspection if you're trying to stand out from other offers, at the same time you're limiting some of your negotiation leverage. A standard home inspection gives you a chance to renegotiate the purchase price or ask the seller to make repairs before closing. If you skip the inspection, you give up one of your biggest tools for protecting your financial investment.

Consider Insurance and Resale

Your willingness (and financial readiness) to take on the risks of waiving an inspection aren't the whole story. There are other factors to consider, like the impact on insuring the home and future resale value. 

Insurance companies may ask for a recent home inspection before issuing a policy, especially if the property is older. If you don’t have one, it could delay your coverage or raise red flags that cost you more in premiums. Then, when you go to sell the home, buyers may ask for documentation showing the condition of the property, which is something you won’t be able to easily provide if you never had it inspected.

You're Not Just Looking for the Big Stuff

Home inspectors don’t just look for major defects, they assess safety issues and code compliance. Things like faulty wiring, unpermitted additions, or poorly installed appliances might seem small but can pose serious risks.

Erika Rogers says, "A good inspection report helps you understand the overall condition of the home, gives you a roadmap for future maintenance, and provides peace of mind that you’re making a sound investment. It can even help you plan ahead, knowing about how many years you have until major repairs are needed."

There are Other Ways to Make a Competitive Offer

It’s true that in a bidding war, waiving the inspection might make your offer look stronger. But not every seller sees it as a benefit. Some sellers may actually worry that skipping the inspection could lead to issues later, like post-sale legal concerns. In many cases, being flexible on closing timelines or increasing your earnest money deposit can be just as effective without putting yourself at such high risk.

Ready to learn more about homes for sale in St. George and finding your ideal property? Contact us any time. We want to help you buy a home with confidence.