Is Waiving the Inspection Ever Actually a Good Idea, or Just Reckless?

When the Central Oregon housing market heats up, buyers sometimes consider bold moves to stand out—like waiving the home inspection. But is it a savvy strategy, or just reckless?

Let’s break it down.

What Does It Mean to Waive the Inspection?

Typically, buyers include a home inspection contingency in their offer. This allows them to back out—or renegotiate—if major issues are uncovered. Waiving this contingency means you’re agreeing to buy the home as-is, no matter what problems exist.

Why Buyers Waive Inspections

• Competitive Edge: In bidding wars (common in Bend and Redmond), sellers love “clean offers” with fewer contingencies.

• Speed: Waiving the inspection can help close faster.

• Seller Confidence: It reassures the seller that the deal won’t fall apart.

The Risks of Waiving an Inspection

• Hidden Repairs: Plumbing leaks, electrical hazards, roof damage, or foundation issues may not be obvious until it’s too late.

• Financial Burden: A surprise $20,000 roof replacement can wipe out your savings.

• Insurance & Resale Issues: Homes with undisclosed issues can be harder to insure or resell later.

Safer Alternatives to Waiving an Inspection

If you want to stay competitive without being reckless, consider these options:

1. Pre-Inspection

Hire an inspector before making an offer. It gives you insight into the home’s condition while keeping your offer clean.

2. Waive Repairs, Not the Inspection

Instead of skipping the inspection, agree to take the home “as-is.” You still get valuable information, even if you don’t ask the seller to fix things.

3. Shorten the Inspection Period

A 5-day inspection contingency can ease seller concerns while protecting you from major surprises.

Central Oregon Market Reality

In Bend, Redmond, and Sisters, competition varies by price point. Entry-level homes often spark bidding wars, where buyers feel pressured to waive inspections. However, with rising insurance costs and wildfire risks, skipping due diligence is riskier than ever.

FAQs

Q: Do cash buyers waive inspections more often?

A: Yes—cash buyers sometimes waive inspections to speed up deals, but it’s still risky.

Q: What’s the worst-case scenario if I waive?

A: Buying a home with structural issues or costly repairs you didn’t budget for.

Q: Do sellers expect buyers to waive inspections in Central Oregon?

A: Not always. While it can make an offer more attractive, many sellers still understand the importance of an inspection.

Q: What if the house looks brand new—do I still need one?

A: Absolutely. Even new construction can have overlooked issues.

Waiving the inspection may seem like a shortcut to winning your dream home, but in most cases, it’s a gamble. In today’s digital-first and climate-conscious market, due diligence matters more than ever. If you’re set on being competitive, consider safer compromises like pre-inspections or shortened timelines.