If you’re thinking about selling, you’ve probably heard this:
“Everything will come up in the home inspection.”
That used to be a bigger conversation.
Right now… it’s a little different.
Now there is more of a conversation whether to even have a home inspection.
What I’m Seeing in This Market
Buyers still want home inspections.
That hasn’t changed.
But in a really competitive market like we’re seeing in Central New York…
They’re often choosing to waive them.
Not because they don’t care.
Because they feel like they have to in order to compete.
So… Should You Worry About Inspection Issues?
Yes… just not in the way people think.
Even if a buyer waives an inspection:
- They’re still paying attention to the home
- They’re still thinking about condition
- They’re still trying to avoid surprises
So the same things matter.
The Stuff That Always Matters
Whether there’s an inspection or not, these are the things that come up:
- Safety issues
- Obvious deferred maintenance
- Anything that looks like it hasn’t been taken care of
That’s what makes buyers hesitate… even in a strong market.
The Better Question Right Now
Instead of asking:
“What will fail an inspection?”
A better question might be:
👉 “What would make a buyer nervous walking through my house?”
Because that’s what’s actually driving decisions right now.
Should Sellers Get a Pre-Inspection?
This is where things get interesting.
In a market like this…
👉 It can actually be a smart move.
A pre-listing inspection gives you:
- A clear picture of what’s going on
- The chance to fix anything that really matters
- The ability to share that information with buyers upfront
And that last part matters more than people think.
For example…
Let’s say you have an older water heater.
You assume it’s fine… but the inspection shows it’s at the end of its life.
So you replace it.
Not something you were planning on doing.
Not the most exciting update.
But now?
Buyers walk in and see:
- one less thing to worry about
- one less future expense
- and a home that feels taken care of
And that changes how they feel about the house.
I’ve seen it where something like that actually makes buyers more confident… and more willing to come in stronger on their offer.
Because it shows you’ve already handled something they were going to be concerned about.
But It’s Not Required
You don’t have to do a pre-inspection.
Homes are still selling without them.
But depending on the house, it can be a strategic advantage.
Not Sure Where You Fall?
These will help you sort out what actually makes sense:
👉 How Much Should You Fix Before Selling Your Home in Central New York?
👉 What Should I NOT Fix Before Selling My Home in Central New York?
👉 Should I Sell My House As-Is in Central New York?
The Biggest Mistake I See
Sellers either:
- ignore everything
or - try to fix everything
Neither usually works.
Final Thought
Inspections still matter.
Even when they’re waived.
Because what buyers feel when they walk through your home hasn’t changed.
If the house feels solid and well cared for…
That’s what builds confidence.
Next Step
If you’re thinking about selling and not sure whether a pre-inspection makes sense for your home…
That’s something we can talk through.
Every house is different, and the strategy should match the situation.
Gwenn McDonald
Real Estate Agent in Central New York
Helping sellers make smart decisions before they list