As of October 15, 2025, the state has introduced a new rule protecting the buyers right to a home inspection. Let’s break down what this means for you!
What the New Rule Says
Here’s the key takeaway: you have the right to a home inspection, and no one — not the seller, not the listing agent, not even your own agent — can pressure you to give it up.
Specifically:
- Sellers and their agents can’t require you to waive your inspection right as a condition of making an offer.
- Sellers also can’t accept an offer if they know the buyer has waived the inspection.
- A new disclosure form must now be signed by both the buyer and seller, confirming that the buyer understands and retains their right to a home inspection.
You can still choose to skip an inspection — but that decision has to be 100% yours, made freely and without any pressure.
Why This Law Matters
For years, Massachusetts buyers have faced a tough dilemma:
“If I don’t waive my inspection, I might lose the house.”
This new rule levels the playing field. It ensures that:
- Every buyer has the same right to protect themselves.
- Every seller operates under clear, transparent expectations.
- No one is punished for wanting to make an informed decision.
It’s about fairness, confidence, and informed choices — not just winning a bidding war.
What You’ll See in Practice
When you submit (or accept) an offer now, you’ll sign a Home Inspection Rights Disclosure.
This document confirms that:
- You, the buyer, understand your right to a home inspection.
- You’re making your own decision about whether to schedule or waive it.
This simple step helps everyone stay on the same page — and keeps the transaction compliant with Massachusetts law.
What This Means for Your Offer Strategy
If you’re buying:
- You can still make your offer competitive — strong price, clean terms, flexible timeline — without sacrificing your inspection rights.
If you’re selling:
- You’ll need to review and sign the new disclosure form with every offer.
- This law doesn’t slow your sale — it just ensures every deal is fair and transparent.
My Role as Your Agent
My job is to make sure you feel confident and protected through every step — from your first showing to your final signature.
If you ever have questions about:
- How to structure your offer under the new rule,
- What an inspection can (and can’t) uncover, or
- How to balance competitiveness with caution,
I’m here to walk you through it!
This new law ensures you can look before you leap — and make confident, informed choices about your future home so you can buy with confidence, protect your investment, and move forward knowing you made a fully informed decision.