Who pays for home inspection

In most real estate transactions, the buyer typically pays for the home inspection.

This is because the buyer wants to have the property thoroughly checked for any potential issues before finalizing the purchase.

However, there are exceptions. In some cases, the seller might offer to pay for the inspection as a selling point or as part of negotiations.

Additionally, in some competitive markets, buyers might be asked to waive the inspection or cover the costs to make their offer more appealing.

Ultimately, the payment responsibility can be negotiated between the buyer and the seller during the contract discussions.

Here’s a breakdown of the states where home inspection payment practices may vary, along with a table summarizing common trends.

Generally, buyers pay for the home inspection, but practices can differ depending on the state and local customs.

State	Who Typically Pays for Home Inspection	Notes
California	Buyer	It’s common for buyers to pay for the inspection, though negotiable.
Texas	Buyer	The buyer usually pays, though sometimes negotiated in the deal.
Florida	Buyer	Standard for the buyer to pay, but may be negotiated in some cases.
New York	Buyer	The buyer typically covers the cost, though it’s negotiable.
Illinois	Buyer	Common for the buyer to pay for the inspection.
North Carolina	Buyer	Buyers generally cover the cost, but the seller may offer to pay in some cases.
Pennsylvania	Buyer	Buyers typically pay, but there are exceptions in certain negotiations.
Ohio	Buyer	Typically, the buyer pays, but it’s negotiable in a competitive market.
Georgia	Buyer	Home inspection costs are usually borne by the buyer.
Colorado	Buyer	Standard practice is for the buyer to cover the inspection costs.
Nevada	Buyer	Home inspection costs are typically the responsibility of the buyer.
Washington	Buyer	The buyer typically pays for the inspection, but it can be negotiated.
Arizona	Buyer	Common for the buyer to pay for the home inspection.

Negotiation Opportunities: In some markets, especially if the home is in a competitive situation (e.g., bidding wars), the buyer may offer to waive or cover inspection costs to make their offer more attractive.
Seller Contributions: Occasionally, sellers may agree to cover the inspection cost or offer credits to the buyer as part of negotiations, but this is less common and varies by location.
Market Conditions: In some areas with a very high demand for homes, sellers may require buyers to pay for inspections or waive it altogether to speed up the transaction process.