Buyers
This web site is really all about you since you are my primary client. Although you often come to me through an Agents referral you are my client and I work on your behalf...always. I provide an objective, disinterested third party evaluation of what you are considering buying (you LOVE that home! Are you subconsciously ignoring what you don't want to see?). If you didn't (or can't) negotiate a home inspection contingency clause you may still have an "informational" inspection so at least you know before you move in what might have to be done.
The real estate market goes up and down. When it is a seller's market the home inspection contingency clause may be harder to negotiate but is still every bit as important. Such a market makes it easier for the seller to leave behind a home with potential problems. Are you really willing to risk spending hundreds of thousands of dollars essentially buying sight unseen? A home inspector sees things you haven't been trained to see. Insist on a home inspection! In a buyer's market there is really no excuse not to have an inspection--it's very cheap insurance and educational as well!
Buying a home, spending all that money, the apprehension of wondering if you are doing right, the tension of negotiations and getting everything done in time all add up to stress. I have moved many times and understand your anxiety. You want this house and want the assurance that it "passes inspection". While a house doesn't "pass" or "fail", an inspection will alleviate your fears by taking away the unknown. Problems may be uncovered, but you will know what you are dealing with and may either negotiate a fix or plan for it yourself.
Look around this site--it's filled with answers to your questions. Please feel free to call with any further questions and, of course, to order an inspection!