Home inspections are something buyers typically ask for before closing on a house. They are not mandatory, but they are something your agent will probably recommend.
In some cases, your lender may mandate you get a home inspection. But if the choice is yours, it is in your best interests to get one.
What you get with an inspection
An inspection is so important because you will get a look at the inner workings of the home. The inspector will be able to tell you if there are serious issues that may not be immediately obvious, such as problems with the foundation. The inspector will also look at the main systems of the home to see if you have HVAC, plumbing or other major issues. He or she will inspect the roof and the outside of the home. The inspector goes over everything to look out for potential problems.
Why an inspection is important
Getting an inspection will allow you to discover if the home is a potential money pit. Without the inspection, you could have some seriously expensive surprises come up after you complete the sale. If that happens, it is all up to you to fix them.
Discovering issues prior to closing allows you to adjust your offer and ask for the homeowner to fix anything major the inspector discovered. You may also be able to use problems as a negotiating point to lower the sales price or get a better overall deal.
Above all else, an inspection allows you to avoid going into the deal blind. You have some idea of the condition of the home.
It can be easy to give in to pressure to skip the inspection. Doing this can be a horrible mistake. For your own security, you should always get an inspection.