Sell My House Home Inspection and Repairs 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is an 'inspection contingency' and how long does it typically last?
- A clause requiring the seller to pay for the inspection
- A contract provision giving the buyer a set period (typically 7–14 days) to have the home inspected and negotiate or exit based on findings (Correct answer)
- A permanent right for buyers to re-inspect after closing
- An inspection required by the buyer's lender
Correct answer: A contract provision giving the buyer a set period (typically 7–14 days) to have the home inspected and negotiate or exit based on findings
The inspection contingency window gives buyers the right to inspect the property and either accept it, negotiate repairs/credits, or cancel the contract without penalty if findings are unsatisfactory.
Question 2: What does a home inspector typically NOT evaluate during a standard inspection?
- Roof condition and age
- HVAC system functionality
- Behind walls for hidden mold or structural issues not visible without invasive testing (Correct answer)
- Electrical panel condition
Correct answer: Behind walls for hidden mold or structural issues not visible without invasive testing
Standard home inspectors conduct a visual inspection of accessible areas and do not open walls, perform invasive testing, or use specialized equipment to detect hidden issues.
Question 3: What is a sewer scope inspection and when should sellers expect buyers to request one?
- An inspection of the city sewer main outside the property
- A camera inspection of the sewer line from the home to the street, commonly requested for older homes to check for root intrusion or pipe damage (Correct answer)
- A standard part of every home inspection
- An inspection required only for homes on septic systems
Correct answer: A camera inspection of the sewer line from the home to the street, commonly requested for older homes to check for root intrusion or pipe damage
Sewer line repairs can cost $5,000–$25,000+, so buyers of older homes often request a sewer scope to rule out costly hidden pipe problems before committing to the purchase.
Question 4: How should sellers respond when buyers request a large number of inspection repairs?
- Agree to all repairs immediately to keep the deal together
- Prioritize major safety and structural issues for repair or credit while negotiating on cosmetic or minor items (Correct answer)
- Reject all inspection requests to avoid setting a precedent
- Reduce the price by the total estimated repair cost automatically
Correct answer: Prioritize major safety and structural issues for repair or credit while negotiating on cosmetic or minor items
Sellers should focus on items that protect the deal — health, safety, and major system issues — while pushing back on cosmetic or minor items the buyer can address after closing.
Question 5: What is lead-based paint disclosure and when is it required for US home sellers?
- Required for all US home sales since 1990
- Sellers of homes built before 1978 must disclose known lead paint hazards and provide buyers an EPA pamphlet and 10-day window for testing (Correct answer)
- Required only if the home has been tested and lead paint confirmed
- A voluntary disclosure applicable only in certain states
Correct answer: Sellers of homes built before 1978 must disclose known lead paint hazards and provide buyers an EPA pamphlet and 10-day window for testing
Federal law (the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act) mandates lead paint disclosure for pre-1978 homes, with a 10-day buyer inspection window, regardless of whether the seller has tested for it.
Question 6: What happens if a seller fails to disclose a known material defect in a home sale?
- The transaction continues normally as defects are buyer's responsibility after closing
- The seller can face legal action, including contract rescission or fraud claims, if the buyer discovers an undisclosed defect post-closing (Correct answer)
- The seller only needs to repay the repair cost after closing
- State law protects sellers from disclosure claims if the sale is 'as-is'
Correct answer: The seller can face legal action, including contract rescission or fraud claims, if the buyer discovers an undisclosed defect post-closing
Non-disclosure of known material defects exposes sellers to fraud claims, lawsuits for repair costs, and even contract rescission, making honest disclosure a legal and financial imperative.
Sell My House Home Inspection and Repairs 2
What is an 'inspection contingency' and how long does it typically last?