A home inspection cost me a sale last year, but it turned up problems we didn't dream it could have.  It was the best $600 my clients ever spent.  Saved them thousands of dollars.

The value is in the breadth (rather than depth/degree) of inspection.  And while it appears superficial,  small surface symptoms might be manifestations of larger, concealed problems or defects.

Wow, this is a tough one. I have had this happen a couple times. Once my clients didn't get an ispection, I did require a waiver stating that I informed them of the benefits of an inspection. The other time, I paid for the inspection. My clients were completly against it. It was a brand new home, so what could be wrong. Well, mold in the crawl space and missing support beams in the attic were just a couple things. So, I think new homes or old homes they should all be inspected. My inspector has also saved deals for me. Their knowledge is worth a million bucks. I would do an inspection no matter what!!!

If it were me, I would always insist on a home inspection. Better safe than sorry. -Charles

thanks for those comments and while ai agree that our clients are probably better off having one done, perhaps there needs to be more stringent requirements introduced for home inspectors??