Should You Skip a Home Inspection in Palm Beach County?

1. Introduction
Should I buy a property in Palm Beach County without doing an inspection? Let me tell you a story that answers this question.

2. Flashback to 2009
This was about my fourth or fifth real estate transaction. For context, 2009 in South Florida was a brutal market. It was very much a buyer’s market—properties were selling for 50–70% less than just a couple of years earlier. Investors were everywhere.

One buyer called me about a condo he saw online and wanted to make an offer. We prepared the contract and I recommended including an inspection period. He agreed at first but then said he only wanted to review the condo association rules—not perform a physical inspection. I encouraged him otherwise, but he declined.

3. The Walkthrough Surprise
Fast forward to the day before closing. I went to do the final walkthrough.

• The water heater was leaking into the closet where the heater and A/C were located.

• Water was slowly streaming through the unit and draining out the balcony door.

It wasn’t catastrophic, but it was a problem. I called the buyer’s attorney immediately.

4. The Legal Problem
At the attorney’s office, the seller’s side asked me: “Where’s your inspection report?”

• I had photos from a few days before the contract, but no inspection report.

• Without that documentation, I couldn’t prove the water issue wasn’t pre-existing.

This left me cornered. I felt responsible and forfeited my commission to cover the buyer’s repair costs—then had to pay taxes on income I never even received.

5. The Lesson Learned
The inspection period exists to document the property’s condition. Without it, you have no leverage if issues arise.

• Even with a condo, where people assume it’s “just appliances,” inspections matter.

• During COVID, when buyers were waiving inspections, I never let clients do it. The litigation risk is simply too high.

Unless you’re buying a tear-down, waiving inspections is almost always a mistake.

6. Choosing an Inspector
As an agent, I don’t care which inspector you use, but make sure:

• They are licensed and insured.

• If they miss something, their insurance can help cover the error.

This small step protects you and ensures you have recourse if problems are overlooked.

7. Closing Thoughts
If you’re considering buying a property in Palm Beach County, here’s how to reach me:

• Call/Text: 786-443-7203

• Email: caseyprindle@gmail.com