Can You Sell a House Without an Inspection?

Yes, you can sell a house without an inspection. There’s no law requiring a home inspection to list or close on a property, and a house doesn’t have to pass inspection to be sold. While most buyers will still request a home inspection as part of the sale, some — especially cash buyers or investors — may choose to waive the inspection. Otherwise, a home inspection typically happens within a week of accepting a buyer’s offer. You can usually tell whether a buyer plans on getting the home inspected if they include an inspection contingency in their offer letter. 

What does it mean to sell a house without an inspection?

Selling a house without an inspection means the seller chooses not to hire a professional home inspector to evaluate the property before listing or closing and the buyer does not request an inspection as part of their offer. When you sell a home without an inspection, the transaction may move faster because you’re reducing the number of steps before closing. Selling without an inspection is more common in competitive markets or when a home is listed “as is”. 

Selling a house “as is” means listing the property in its current condition, with no repairs or improvements made before closing. You must still disclose known issues, but you have told potential buyers that you won’t fix anything before the sale.

While selling “as is” doesn’t prevent the buyer from doing their own inspection, buyers are accepting that you’ll be less likely to negotiate repairs based on the inspection findings. The buyer may try to renegotiate the price or ask for a credit, but you’re under no obligation to fix anything. The buyer can then decide whether to accept the home “as is” or walk away, depending on the terms of the agreement.

When would a home be sold without an inspection?

Homes are typically sold without an inspection when the buyer agrees to waive it, often in competitive markets or when purchasing a property “as is.” This is more common with cash buyers and investors who are comfortable assessing a home’s condition on their own.

Benefits of selling without an inspection

Selling without a home inspection can offer advantages in certain scenarios, particularly if you’re targeting an investor or cash buyer. Depending on your goals, market conditions, and the type of buyer you attract, the potential benefits may include:

Fewer upfront costs

You may avoid paying for a pre-listing inspection, which can range from $300 to $500 or more. You could also bypass repair-related concessions entirely if the buyer chooses to waive repair requests as part of their offer.

Faster listing and sale timeline

Without an inspection, you may be able to shorten the timeline for selling your home, because if your buyer doesn’t require an inspection, the transaction may close more quickly.

Easier path to investor or cash offers

Investors and some cash buyers are used to purchasing homes without inspections or repair negotiations. If you’re listing “as is,” these buyers may be more likely to engage.

Investors and cash buyers are often more comfortable purchasing homes without traditional real estate contingencies. According to Zillow’s 2024 Consumer Housing Trends Report, about half of sellers (54%) said they received at least one offer that waived an inspection. 

Risks of selling without an inspection

Selling without an inspection doesn’t always mean a smooth or fast transaction. Depending on your buyer and local market conditions, you may encounter some challenges:

Longer timeline

Choosing to sell without an inspection can sometimes extend the selling timeline. If your home isn’t priced competitively or you’re waiting for the right cash buyer willing to move forward without an inspection, it may take longer to receive a suitable offer.

Difficulty with financing

Some lenders require an inspection or appraisal that confirms a home’s condition before approving financing. If an inspection later reveals significant issues — such as structural damage, electrical problems, or plumbing concerns — buyers relying on a mortgage could face delays or lose financing altogether.

Smaller buyer pool

Traditional buyers, especially first-time buyers, may prefer homes that have gone through an inspection. Without that reassurance, they might choose to look elsewhere. Most sellers (58%) reported choosing a buyer who included an inspection contingency, even those who received a no-inspection offer.

Fewer competing offers

Skipping the inspection process can reduce your home’s appeal to a broader audience, which might mean less offers to choose from and reduced leverage when negotiating.

How to sell a house without an inspection

Even if you’re hoping to avoid the inspection process, you should still prepare for buyers to ask questions, request information, or attempt to negotiate. Here’s how to protect your timeline and increase your chances of a smooth sale.

You’re not required to inspect your home before listing, but you still need to prepare thoughtfully. From disclosure to pricing, a strong strategy will help reduce surprises and keep buyers engaged.

Disclose known issues

Disclosure laws vary by state. You’re legally required to share any known defects or problems with the home in most states. Skipping this step could lead to failed deals or legal issues post-closing, even if no inspection was conducted.

Most states require a formal seller disclosure form. Be thorough, and honest. In most states you don’t have to investigate issues beyond what you already know, but you do have to share that information with buyers in writing.

Price your home competitively

Set your listing price with room for buyer inspection findings or cosmetic updates. A local agent can help you analyze comps and adjust.

Pricing below market can help attract buyer interest, especially if you’re discouraging inspection contingencies, or your home doesn’t have recent upgrades. The key is transparency, so be sure to price your home in a way that reflects its condition.

Offer a repair credit or concession

If you don’t plan to fix anything, consider offering a lump-sum credit or concession toward repairs during negotiations with the buyer. This can make your home more appealing to buyers who want flexibility.

Even a modest credit can help buyers feel more secure and reduce the chances of a deal falling through after inspection.

Attract an investor or experienced buyer

Look for buyers who have experience with older homes, need a quick close, or are searching specifically for value opportunities. Your agent can help you market strategically to these audiences.

If you’re selling without an inspection, a little preparation still goes a long way. Here’s what to consider having ready before listing:

• Complete a seller disclosure form
• Document recent repairs
• Estimate known issues (e.g. roof, HVAC)
• Photograph all major systems
• Compare listings to support your pricing decision
• Work with a trusted real estate agent who can help market your home

You don’t need to get an inspection before you sell your house, but you do need a plan. Being upfront about known issues, working with the right buyers, and preparing your pricing strategy can help you move through the process with fewer surprises and more confidence.

No matter which approach feels right for your situation, you don’t have to navigate the selling process alone. Explore all your selling options with Zillow. Whether you want to sell “as is,” list on the open market, or get a fast cash offer from our trusted partner, Opendoor, Zillow can help you move forward with clarity and control.

This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not real estate, legal, tax, or financial advice. Speak to a licensed professional for personalized advice specific to your needs.