Hey there! So you're house hunting in Fort Mill or maybe checking out those gorgeous homes in Waxhaw, and you're wondering if you should waive contingencies to beat out other buyers. I get it – the Charlotte metro market can feel pretty intense right now. Let me break this down for you like we're chatting over some barbecue. Look, waiving contingencies is like going all-in on a poker hand. Sometimes it pays off big, but you better know what you're risking. In places like Ballantyne and Weddington where homes are moving fast, I've seen buyers waive inspection contingencies and then discover major foundation issues that cost them $15,000 to fix

That's not the kind of surprise anyone wants after closing. Here's my take: if you're looking at newer construction in areas like Indian Land or Marvin, waiving the inspection might be less risky since these homes typically have warranties and recent construction. But in historic downtown Waxhaw where you've got those charming older homes with character? Keep that inspection contingency, friend. The appraisal contingency is another story – with Fort Mill home prices hitting around $540,000 median, you definitely don't want to get stuck paying $50K over what the house is actually worth

The smart play? Work with an experienced agent who knows these Pineville, Fort Mill, and Waxhaw neighborhoods inside and out. They can help you craft a competitive offer that protects you while still appealing to sellers. Maybe you keep the major contingencies but shorten the timeline, or offer to cover a certain amount over appraisal. Trust me, there are creative ways to win without going naked into the deal.