Can I waive the home inspection in Edmonton?
Quick Answer
Short answer: Yes, but it's risky; uninspected homes can hide costly defects and lenders may still require an inspection on older houses.
Detailed Explanation
Buyers occasionally waive inspections in bidding wars to appear stronger, yet Alberta real-estate boards advise against it. Without an inspection you assume all latent defects—from foundation cracks to unsafe electrical—potentially costing tens of thousands post-possession.
If you must compete, consider a pre-offer inspection or at minimum a sewer-scope on houses older than 25 years.
- Some lenders mandate inspections on 1950s-era homes
- Pre-offer inspections cost extra but provide competitive edge
- Sewer scopes ($150) can reveal $10,000+ problems
Disclaimer: This page is for general information only and does not constitute legal, financial, or real estate advice. Always verify details with a licensed Alberta REALTOR®, mortgage professional, or lawyer before making decisions. Buy in Edmonton assumes no liability for actions taken based on this content.
Tim Grover, RE/MAX Excellence • 780-288-5144 • 5607 199 Street NW, Edmonton, AB
Related Questions
- Who pays for the Real Property Report in Alberta?
- What does "subject to financing" mean in an offer to purchase?
- What is the typical closing period in Edmonton?
- What is title insurance and do I need it?
- What is a "firm" offer vs a conditional offer?
- How much earnest money (deposit) should I put down in Alberta?
- What happens if I back out after removing conditions?
- Do I need a real-estate lawyer in Alberta?
- What's the difference between a REALTOR® and a real-estate agent?
- What documents will I sign at closing?
- What is a Buyer Representation Agreement and do I need one?
- What is a condominium document review and why is it important?
- What is a holdback and when is it used?
- What are common conditions in Alberta purchase contracts?
- What is possession day and what should I expect?
- What is the difference between closing and possession in Alberta?
- Can sellers stay in the house after possession (rent-back)?
- What happens if there are defects discovered after possession?
- What are the benefits of working with a REALTOR® when buying a home?
- Is there an advantage to signing a Buyer Representation Agreement with a REALTOR®?
- What legal protections do I gain by hiring a REALTOR® instead of going it alone?
- What legal protections do I gain by hiring a REALTOR® instead of going it alone?
- Who pays for the Real Property Report in Alberta?
- What does "subject to financing" mean in an offer to purchase?
- What is the typical closing period in Edmonton?
- What is title insurance and do I need it?
- What is a "firm" offer vs a conditional offer?
- How much earnest money (deposit) should I put down in Alberta?
- What happens if I back out after removing conditions?
- Do I need a real-estate lawyer in Alberta?
- What's the difference between a REALTOR® and a real-estate agent?
- What documents will I sign at closing?
- What is a Buyer Representation Agreement and do I need one?
- What is a condominium document review and why is it important?
- What is a holdback and when is it used?
- What are common conditions in Alberta purchase contracts?
- What is possession day and what should I expect?
- What is the difference between closing and possession in Alberta?
- Can sellers stay in the house after possession (rent-back)?
- What happens if there are defects discovered after possession?
- What are the benefits of working with a REALTOR® when buying a home?
- Is there an advantage to signing a Buyer Representation Agreement with a REALTOR®?
- What legal protections do I gain by hiring a REALTOR® instead of going it alone?
- What legal protections do I gain by hiring a REALTOR® instead of going it alone?