I always advise clients to get a home inspection. I have only had one who turned me down. He felt he could conduct his own inspection. He didn't have any issues come up but he certainly could have.

Bradley:

As Gene, #1, said, in California if the buyer declines to have a home inspection they must sign a waiver.  That protects me, the buyer's agent, from the buyer coming back and accusing me of failing to suggest a home inspection to the buyers.

Buyers can sue for anything. They should consult an attorney who can advice them. We should advice them to get the inspection.

I've had a case like this where the home warranty did not pay for a problem since it was a pre-existing problem that the buyers did not address.  (No inspection - No walk through, etc.)

In Texas, they sign several forms telling them FOR YOUR PROTECTION, GET A HOME INSPECTION. But as you know, they can still sue if they really want to. But they can't say that they didn't know!

You are absolutely right - peace of mind and protection! Sometimes we hear that agents cannot get their clients to budge from the attitude that they do not need an inspection. It can be difficult to convince someone who is dead set on not having the inspection. Although, we cannot fathom why a client would think it was a good idea to "assume" the house has no issues whether minor or major that need to be addressed.

I always thought that might be the case, but I am not an attorney.

The issue shouldnt be who to sue the seller, re agent, inspector, etc.  The problem is that the whole industry has conditioned people to not accept any responsibility for the home they are buying, when you buy a new home there should be risk as there is in all of life, to always deflect blame is turning us into a bunch of irresponsible sue happy children.

And in this particular instance it is not even a defect, sounds like a house pecurliarity, water presure drops off when too many facets are turned on, most people would just learn to deal with this, as the previous residents did.

So instead of playing CYA, tell your clients to be responsible for their own purchase and grow up!

Buyers who decline an inspection sign a form stating that I recommended a professional home inspection. But in my state I am not sure this would afford much protection.

Nothing protects all parties involved like a thorough home inspection.  It's always best to have all the cards layed out on the table!  A quality home inspection is never expensive, it is priceless!

Bradley,  I continue to be amazed when I hear and see stories like this.  Whenever I get a buyer that doesn't want to pay the money for the inspection I give them scenarios of what can happen and how the cost of an inspection is a drop in the bucket for what they might end up paying for down the road.

Brad, Great post.

Inspections should always be pat of a buyers purchase. In some cases a buyer will want to pass on an inspection and a waiver of inspection should be a common practice not only to cover yourself (the agent and broker) for liability but to make sure that your client truly understands that they are waving their opportunity to inspect the property. As agents we should make sure we are educating our clients!!!!

Great Post Bradley

Congrats on your first featured blog on activerain.

Everyone at REMAX Custom is very proud.

Nice blog post Brad

Goes to show why every buyer should always get an inspection.

Bradley, congratulations on this well-deserved featured post! It's a great scenario you described and I hope buyers who are thinking of skipping the home inspection find this post or one of its re-blogs. :)

Leilani

A home inspection is only as valuable as the experience of the inspector. None-the-less many buyers source inspections by best price, meaning lowest price, rather than doing their due dilligence and choosing the best candidate for their particular situation. Consider looking at these factors when choosing an inspector:

• What are the qualifications and certifications?
• Does the local community consider the inspector a subject matter expert?
• Does the inspector readily share knowledge through social media or is it all confidential and not accessible to the public?

The above criteria provides a measure beyond price to help choose the best candidate for your real estate decision.