What is a benefit of having a home inspection before completing a real estate purchase?

Having a home inspection before finalizing a real estate purchase is essential because it can reveal unexpected repair costs that may not be apparent during a casual walk-through of the property. Conducting a thorough inspection allows the buyer to identify potential issues such as plumbing failures, electrical problems, or structural deficiencies. Knowing about these issues in advance can help buyers budget for necessary repairs or negotiate with the seller for a better price based on the findings.

While faster closing may be desirable, an inspection itself often requires time for scheduling and review, which does not inherently speed up the closing process. The suggestion that an inspection guarantees price stability is misleading. Home inspections can indeed impact negotiations, potentially leading to changes in the offering price. Lastly, a home inspection does not qualify a buyer for a mortgage; qualifications for a mortgage are based on the buyer's financial situation and creditworthiness, rather than the condition of the property itself. Thus, option B highlights the key advantage of identifying hidden costs, making it the most accurate choice.