I was recently talking to another Realtor about "as-is" sales. She said that she never recommend a home inspection on such properties because the seller, usually a bank, isn't going to repair anything. It was obvious that she was using the home inspection solely as a negotiating tool for her Clients, which is not truly what a home inspection is for.
I explained to her that a home inspection is simply a piece of paper that documents the condition of the property so that the buyers don't get into a "Money Pit." Just because the seller isn't going to repair anything doesn't prevent the buyers from canceling the purchase contract and go looking for a better property for them that if there are too many problems uncovered by a good, thorough home inspection.
Imagine if you specifically recommended not getting a home inspection and major problems occurred after close of escrow. Who do you think those buyers are going to call, possibly even sue for professional negligence, notwithstanding the fact that they might have signed an inspection waiver.
Realtors are hired to provide advice and negotiating skills, and the wrong advice can be construed as professional negligence in our San Diego courts, as one can see if one follows court cases like my Partner and I do.
Banks, mortgage companies, and probates that are owners and have not lived in the property, as well as landlords in certain circumstances, are typically except from transfer disclosures, so on an "as-is" property, don't trust, do verify.
I think I helped her see the error of her ways, so to speak.
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