Don’t Skip the Home Inspection—Even in a Hot Lincoln Market

When you finally find the one—that Lincoln home you’ve been hunting for—it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement. You’ve walked through it, imagined where your couch goes, maybe even picked your spot for morning coffee on the porch. The last thing you want is to hit pause or risk losing out to another offer that skips a few steps.

But here’s the reality: buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make in your life. And no matter how perfect that house looks on the surface, skipping the home inspection can lead to some expensive surprises down the road.

What’s a Home Inspection, Really?

In simple terms, it’s your chance to have a professional take a deep dive into the condition of the property. In Lincoln, a home inspector will typically evaluate major systems—roof, foundation, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and more. This usually happens after your offer is accepted but before you close.

Why It’s Worth Every Penny

Here’s why I always recommend my clients go through with the inspection:

• Avoid nasty surprises. A home might look move-in ready, but there could be issues lurking behind the walls or under the shingles. In older neighborhoods like Near South or Havelock, we often see hidden foundation or electrical problems that only pop up during inspections.

• Leverage for negotiations. If the inspection turns up anything major, we can often re-negotiate the deal—asking the seller to make repairs or offer a credit. You don’t have to go it alone—this is where I step in to guide those conversations.

• Peace of mind. You’re making a serious investment. Knowing what you’re walking into gives you the confidence to move forward without second-guessing yourself.

Sure, inspections cost a few hundred bucks up front—but they can save you thousands in surprise repairs later. Like the National Association of Realtors says:

“Failure to obtain a home inspection could potentially cost you a great deal of money and hassles in the long run.”

Should You Ever Waive It?

In competitive markets like Lincoln’s south and southeast neighborhoods, where homes sometimes get multiple offers within days, it’s tempting to skip the inspection just to get your offer accepted. But according to NAR, nearly 1 in 4 buyers waived their inspection last year—and many regretted it.

There are better ways to strengthen your offer without giving up that safety net. Flexible closing dates, earnest money boosts, and writing a clean, well-structured offer can often do more for your case than waiving an inspection.

Bottom Line

Skipping the inspection might feel like a shortcut, but it’s a gamble—and not one I recommend taking. It’s not just a box to check—it’s a smart move that protects your wallet, your investment, and your peace of mind.

If you could ask a home inspector one question before buying, what would it be? Shoot me a message—I'll make sure it's the first thing we ask when the time comes.