There is a conversation happening across the real estate industry right now that too many agents are not having with their clients early enough — or clearly enough.
The inspection waiver.
In the competitive market conditions of recent years, waiving the home inspection contingency became a common strategy. Buyers waived inspections to make offers more competitive. Agents recommended it because, in many situations, it was the only way to win. And deals got closed.
But the consequences of that environment are still showing up — in disputes, in disappointed clients, and in liability questions that some agents were not prepared to answer.
In 2026, the landscape around inspections has evolved. Market conditions have shifted. And agents who are not current on what inspections cover, what waivers expose, and how to have this conversation correctly are walking into real risk.
What the Inspection Waiver Conversation Should Really Look Like
The problem is not that buyers waive inspections. The problem is when they do so without understanding what they are waiving.
A home inspection is not primarily about finding reasons to renegotiate. It is about giving a buyer a clear picture of the condition of the property they are about to purchase — in many cases, the largest purchase of their life. When that information is absent, surprises happen. And surprised buyers become unhappy clients.
As an agent, your role is not to make the decision for your client. But your role absolutely is to ensure they are making an informed decision — and that the advice you give them is documented, thoughtful, and defensible.
Here is what many agents are not doing well:
Explaining what a waiver actually means. Not all waivers are created equal. There are ways to structure offers that give buyers some protection while still remaining competitive. Agents who understand the options can advise better.
Documenting the conversation. If a client waives an inspection and later discovers a significant issue, the question will inevitably come back to: what did the agent advise? Having a clear record of the conversation — and the client's informed decision — matters.
Staying current on what is trending in local properties. The issues showing up most frequently in inspections in your local market change over time. Agents who know what inspectors are finding most commonly right now can advise clients more specifically.
Trending Issues in the Philadelphia Suburban Market
The homes in Montgomery County, Bucks County, and the broader Philadelphia suburbs represent a wide range of ages and construction types. Older housing stock comes with its own categories of common issues. And the way buyers are behaving in the current market — sometimes moving faster, sometimes inspecting things they wouldn't have looked at before — is creating new conversations.
Knowing what is trending in local inspections is one of the most practical pieces of market intelligence an agent can carry into a buyer consultation.
Learn This Live — From an Expert — For Free
On Thursday, May 21, 2026, Greg DuPey of the DuPey Team at Pillar to Post Home Inspections will lead a session at Agent Uplift Live in Blue Bell, PA specifically on this topic.
His session covers:
The inspection waiver landscape in today's market
How to protect your clients — and yourself — when inspections are being waived
The home issues and updates trending in our local area right now
Practical, specific guidance you can apply to your very next deal
This is the kind of session that veteran agents wish they had access to earlier in their careers — and that newer agents need before they learn these lessons the hard way.
Agent Uplift Live is a full-day event running 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM on May 21, 2026, at AVE Blue Bell (1600 Union Meeting Road, Blue Bell, PA 19422). The day also features a keynote from nationally recognized speaker Skye Michiels, a market update from CrossCountry Mortgage's Corey Gee, interactive sessions, and a golf simulator happy hour.
Breakfast and a full catered lunch are included. It is completely free for licensed real estate agents.
The inspection conversation is one of the most important ones you will have with clients this year. Come make sure you are having it right.
Agent Uplift Community is a network of real estate professionals committed to serious growth and genuine enjoyment of this career. agentupliftcommunity.com.
