California Homebuyers: Skip the Seller's Inspection, Hire Your Own!

California Homebuyers Beware: Why You Should Always Get Your Own Inspection Buying a home is a major decision, especially in a competitive market like California. Recent experiences of a real estate agent highlight a critical step often overlooked: independent home inspections. In California, sellers are legally obligated to disclose all property defects to buyers, regardless of repairs. This disclosure requirement makes an independent inspection crucial for buyers. "Even if you fix everything, you have to give that inspection report to the eventual buyer," explains Rebecca Chambliss, a Los Angeles real estate agent. This means a seller's pre-inspection, aiming for a smoother sale, might miss crucial details a buyer's inspector would find. Chambliss details two recent cases where this happened. In one instance, her clients discovered additional issues after the seller's inspection, leading to renegotiations. In another, the second inspection revealed the same issues as the first, causing the buyers to walk away from the deal. Chambliss's advice is straightforward: "Never accept the seller's inspection report; hire your own." An independent inspector provides an unbiased assessment, protecting buyers from unexpected costs and potential legal issues. This proactive approach ensures a smoother and more informed home-buying experience.