Homebuyers: Don’t Buy Without an Inspection

By Mike Vonderau

Mike Vonderau is a top-rated realtor specializing in the west side communities of Cleveland, Ohio, and serves as the managing partner of Vonderau Real Estate Team.

I always talk to buyers who are told they should waive their home inspection to get their offer accepted, and maybe you’ve heard that too. It can feel like that’s the only way to compete in a hot market. However, waiving the inspection is a serious risk, and it’s not something I ever recommend. Here’s what you need to know before making that decision:

Seller disclosures aren’t guaranteed to catch everything. Sellers are expected to fill out disclosure forms honestly, but even honest sellers can miss things they didn’t know about. Sometimes, details are left out on purpose because they just want to ensure their property is sold. A home inspection gives you a second layer of protection because it allows you to spot things that need repair and any damages to the home that the seller should be liable for before you seal the deal. It’s a must to have a trained professional look for issues that might not be listed on any form.

You won’t catch everything on your own. Even if you’ve toured many homes and know what to look for, you’re not a licensed inspector. There are issues you simply won’t be able to see, like moisture inside walls, problems in the electrical panel, or a heating system that runs but doesn’t work right. These hidden issues can cost thousands if missed. A good home inspector knows where to look, what to test, and what matters most.

You can still write a strong offer and keep your inspection. Just because you want to keep your inspection contingency doesn’t mean your offer won’t stand out. The key is working with someone who knows how to structure it right. I can adjust the terms to limit what you’ll ask the seller to fix, and I can make the rest of your offer clean and appealing so you can stay protected and stay competitive at the same time.

Buying a home is a big move. You deserve to make it with clear information and smart protections in place. Giving up the inspection might feel like a shortcut, but it could become a nightmare that may cost you thousands of dollars. If you plan to buy soon or have questions about your options, you can call or text me at 440-871-3050 or email me at mike@vonderau.com. I’ll help you move forward with a strategy that keeps you safe and gives you the best chance of getting the home you want.