Never Skip Inspection

A home inspection costs $300-$500. Skipping it to win a bidding war can cost you $30,000+ in hidden problems.

Inspectors check the roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and more. They find things you can't see: mold behind walls, faulty wiring, cracked foundations.

A bad inspection report isn't necessarily a dealbreaker — it's a negotiation tool. You can ask the seller to fix the issues, drop the price, or offer credits at closing. Walking away from a money pit always beats buying one.