When to have an inspection

[Carlos Contreras]

Hello BP! I'm new to the real estate game, and I would love to learn from all of you. I was curious if it's possible to have a property inspected before making an offer on it or would I have to make an offer then have the property inspected? Thanks in advance!

[Scott Gilbert]

Agree with Dave.  

Before you spend the $500+ on an inspection, radon test, etc. you should know how to "eyeball" a potential property and come up with a ballpark for essential repairs before making an offer.

Almost all of my offers have an inspection contingency, so if you're serious enough about the property to spend on the inspection but it comes back looking extra awful, you can always cancel the contract.

I would suggest that you keep the inspection contingency short, though, say 3-5 days, so the seller won't worry that you're trying to tie up their property forever.

I've seen cases where sellers have selected lower "cash now, no contingencies" type offers over higher ones with long lists of contingencies, financing delays, etc.