Home Inspection Process and What to Expect
After the contract is accepted, the home inspection usually takes place within 3 to 7 business days. Here’s what you can expect during this time:
- Scheduling the Inspection: The buyer will coordinate with their Realtor to schedule the inspection, and we’ll confirm the day and time. Most inspectors don’t work evenings or weekends, so the inspection is typically scheduled for a weekday.
- Inspection Duration:
- For condos, the inspection usually lasts about 2 hours.
- For single-family homes, the inspection can take 3 to 4 hours, depending on the size of the property.
- Preparation for the Inspection:
- Your home should look just like it did during the showings: beds made, dishes put away, and pets removed from the property.
- This helps the inspector do their job and gives the buyer a better sense of the home’s condition.
- Inspection Report:
- After the inspection, the inspector will take 1 to 2 days to write up their report.
- Once the report is complete, the buyer will review it, and their Realtor or attorney will reach out to us with a request for any credits or repairs they want from the seller.
- Negotiation:
- We’ll negotiate the requested repairs or credits with the buyer. Hopefully, we’ll come to an agreement that satisfies both parties.
- Walkaway Option:
- If the inspection uncovers major problems, the buyer has the right to walk away from the deal, and the earnest money will be returned to them.
- Agreed-upon Repairs:
- If we reach an agreement, the attorneys will formalize it, and all agreed-upon repairs must be completed before the final walk-through (usually scheduled the day before closing).
- Once the repairs are completed, you’ll need to provide the buyer with receipts showing that the work has been done and paid for in full.