If you’re actively looking to buy or sell a home, you've probably encountered the concept of home inspection and wondered who covers its cost. While it’s more common for buyers to pay for a home inspection, sellers can also choose to have their home inspected before putting it on the market for several reasons.
To learn more about why sellers or buyers might want to have the home inspected, the cost of the inspection, and why it can be worthwhile for both parties, read on.
💡 Pro tip: A good local real estate agent can guide you through the benefits of a home inspection, advise on the associated costs, and refer you to professional home inspectors in your area.
Who typically pays for the home inspection?
Typically, the buyer is responsible for arranging and paying for the home inspection.
Usually, the inspection is scheduled after the seller accepts the buyer’s offer but before the final closing to protect buyers and ensure there are no hidden problems with the property. The overall cost can range between $300 and $500, based on both the location and size of the home.
An inspection can become a powerful negotiating tool for buyers. If any problems are found, a buyer can negotiate lowering the final price, applying the cost of repairs as a credit, or even walk away from the deal without penalty if the issue is too severe.
While an inspection is mostly for the buyer’s benefit and it is more common for buyers to pay for it, this is not a set rule. In some cases, a seller may choose to pay for the inspection instead.
Can sellers pay for the inspection?
Sellers might offer to cover the cost of a home inspection as a concession in a hot buyer’s market to get a competitive advantage. A pre-listing inspection — inspecting the property before putting it on the market — is another example of a situation in which the seller would pay for an inspection.
How much does a home inspection cost?
Most homebuyers can expect to pay between $296 and $424 in 2025, with an average of $343. However, this number can vary depending on your location, home size, and the particular inspector you decide to go with.
Also, keep in mind that you might need to budget for additional specialized inspections, which might be required if the inspector discovers issues that require further inspection or if you’re buying a home in an area known for specific problems (for example, shifting soil).
What does a home inspection cover?
A home inspector will conduct a thorough examination of the entire building, including its exterior and interior components and systems. Here’s what is typically covered in a standard home inspection.
| Exterior | Interior |
|---|---|
|
|
❗Note: A home inspection may not necessarily cover appliances or additional amenities, such as a pool or hot tub, so clarify beforehand what is and is not part of your home inspector's examination, and schedule additional inspections if needed.
Why are home inspections worth it?
Home inspections are not required by law, but some lenders do require them, and it’s highly recommended to get any house inspected before purchasing it, for the following reasons:
- Financial protection: A buyer who decides to forgo the inspection may later discover costly problems that require thousands of dollars in repairs, or that even make a property uninhabitable without significant financial investments.
- Negotiation power: The inspection can give you leverage to negotiate repairs, ask sellers for a credit, request a price reduction, or even walk away from the transaction entirely if any issues are found.
- Peace of mind: Knowing the true condition of the property can help solidify your decision and reduce the chance of experiencing buyer’s remorse.
- Maintenance planning: An inspection before purchase will highlight areas that require attention or future repairs, enabling you to plan and budget for upcoming expenses accordingly.
A home inspection is smart even if you're considering putting in an offer for a brand-new house or condo, as newly built homes can still have defects. Never assume you’ve learned everything you need to know about a home’s condition from showings. Spend the money to hire a home inspector to make sure the final cost of your home doesn't shoot up after you move in.
Should I get a pre-listing inspection?
A pre-listing inspection is an inspection done by a professional who’s hired by a seller before the house is put up for sale. It covers the same major systems and components as a typical home inspection, including electrical, plumbing, and structure.
A pre-listing inspection can give the seller a clear understanding of the home’s condition before any buyer steps in, help speed up the transaction process in seller’s markets, and act as a competitive advantage in buyer’s markets.
✅ Benefits to the seller
- Transparency and trust — by sharing a pre-listing inspection report, a seller demonstrates openness about the home’s condition, which can help build trust with buyers.
- Faster negotiation — knowing and addressing issues that may arise during the buyer’s inspection upfront can help reduce back-and-forth negotiations and speed up the process.
- Assistance with pricing — understanding the home’s real condition can help set up a realistic asking price, reducing the chance of under- or overpricing.
- Control over repairs — if the inspection reveals any issues, sellers can address them on their own timeline, instead of feeling pressured after the offer is accepted.
❌ Downsides to the seller
- Cost — a pre-listing inspection typically ranges from $300 to $500 on average, adding another expense to the already costly process of selling a home.
- Mandatory disclosure — if the inspector uncovers significant defects (such as mold issues), it may be required by state law to disclose them to potential buyers.
What happens after a home inspection
There are three typical scenarios that unfold after the home inspector comes back with the results, which vary depending on the inspection’s findings and contract contingencies:
Proceed with the sale
If the inspection does not reveal any costly problems and the buyer is satisfied with the inspection findings, they can decide to move forward with the purchase as planned.
Negotiate with the seller
If the inspection discovers any issues, the buyer can request that the seller addresses them; buyers can also offer to make any necessary repairs themselves in return for a credit.
Another common solution is to ask for a price reduction. The seller can negotiate further and agree to all the buyer’s suggestions, agree to some of them, or reject them.
Walk away
If the contract includes an inspection contingency, a buyer can back out of the deal and keep their earnest money deposit if the problems are too significant or the parties cannot agree on how to resolve them.
More about home inspections
Buying a home is often the most significant purchase in people’s lives. A professional agent will be able to guide you through all aspects of the homebuying process, so you can enjoy your home when you move in, rather than deal with major repairs.
Find out more about home inspections from a knowledgeable and professional Clever Partner Agent.