Brought to you by Scott P. Rogers, Funkhouser Real Estate Group, 540-578-0102, scott@HarrisonburgHousingToday.com
Brought to you by Scott P. Rogers, Funkhouser Real Estate Group, 540-578-0102, scott@HarrisonburgHousingToday.com
Thursday, June 19, 2025
Given the current competitive housing market (in most price ranges) in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County, you might find yourself in a situation where your offer is competing with offers from other buyers.
In such a situation, some buyers will opt to NOT include a home inspection contingency.
Waiving an inspection can make your offer stronger and more appealing to a seller. Price still matters to most sellers, but waiving the home inspection can make a big difference when competing with other buyers.
Does that mean home inspections don't matter?
If you are making an offer that is not competing with the offers, and if the seller would likely accept an inspection contingency, should you just skip the inspection anyhow?
Not at all!
When you're not competing with other offers... don't skip the inspection!
A home inspection will almost always give you valuable information about the condition of the home you plan to purchase - including deficiencies you might not have noted when walking through the house, as well as pointing out areas where you might make improvements or upgrades in the future.
I always recommend a home inspection when the situation allows for it.
The Balancing Act - Wanting an Inspection, but Wanting a House!
To be clear, I understand the current reality in many segments of our local housing market... in a competitive offer scenario, including an inspection contingency will likely mean losing out on the home altogether.
But when you do have the chance to include an inspection, it's smart to take it. Even if you don't end up requesting or negotiating repairs, it will still give you peace of mind and the opportunity to affirm your buying decision with more information about the house.
Every home and offer scenario is different.
I'm happy to talk through the pros and cons of including an inspection in your offer, based on the current market conditions and the specific home you're considering.
We can talk about these sort of big picture issues in general ahead of time... but it will all change once we are walking through a house you want to buy.
In such a situation, some buyers will opt to NOT include a home inspection contingency.
Waiving an inspection can make your offer stronger and more appealing to a seller. Price still matters to most sellers, but waiving the home inspection can make a big difference when competing with other buyers.
Does that mean home inspections don't matter?
If you are making an offer that is not competing with the offers, and if the seller would likely accept an inspection contingency, should you just skip the inspection anyhow?
Not at all!
When you're not competing with other offers... don't skip the inspection!
A home inspection will almost always give you valuable information about the condition of the home you plan to purchase - including deficiencies you might not have noted when walking through the house, as well as pointing out areas where you might make improvements or upgrades in the future.
I always recommend a home inspection when the situation allows for it.
The Balancing Act - Wanting an Inspection, but Wanting a House!
To be clear, I understand the current reality in many segments of our local housing market... in a competitive offer scenario, including an inspection contingency will likely mean losing out on the home altogether.
But when you do have the chance to include an inspection, it's smart to take it. Even if you don't end up requesting or negotiating repairs, it will still give you peace of mind and the opportunity to affirm your buying decision with more information about the house.
Every home and offer scenario is different.
I'm happy to talk through the pros and cons of including an inspection in your offer, based on the current market conditions and the specific home you're considering.
We can talk about these sort of big picture issues in general ahead of time... but it will all change once we are walking through a house you want to buy.
