Don't Let Emotions Override Logic - GET A HOME INSPECTION

We've seen buyers fall in love with a home and want to waive the inspection to make their offer more competitive. While home inspections are technically optional in Alaska, skipping this step is absolutely NOT recommended – especially given our year-round extreme climate conditions.

Here's why waiving an inspection in Alaska is particularly risky:

• Our harsh winters stress homes with freeze-thaw cycles and heavy heating demands
• Spring brings heavy rains and melting snow that can reveal hidden water damage, foundation issues, and drainage problems
• By summer, a cascade of issues may have developed from winter damage and spring moisture – from mold and moss growth to structural problems
• What looks fine in one season can be catastrophic by the next
• Alaska's dramatic seasonal changes put homes through stress tests that don't exist in milder climates

The reality is that Alaska homes face a perfect storm of challenges: brutal cold, heavy snow loads, spring flooding, and dramatic temperature swings. A home that survived winter might show serious problems once spring rains hit and summer heat arrives.

Instead of waiving the inspection, work with an experienced agent who can craft a competitive offer that includes inspection contingencies. At the Dar Walden Team, we've successfully negotiated thousands of deals while protecting our buyers' interests – even in competitive markets.

Remember: In Alaska's unforgiving year-round climate, that "optional" inspection could be the difference between your dream home and your worst nightmare. The few hundred dollars you spend on an inspection could save you tens of thousands in unexpected repairs – or protect you from buying a home with hidden damage that won't show up until the next seasonal cycle hits.