The little-known clause that can ruin your home sale

Our Seller  was thrilled.

She got a quick offer on her house and thought she was coasting to an easy sale.

But then the buyer found a minor plumbing issue and demanded a massive price cut.

Jane couldn’t cover it, and the whole deal fell apart.

She had to relist the house, drop the price, and ended up losing both time and money.

Total nightmare, right?

Selling your home can feel like riding a rollercoaster blindfolded. One minute, you're soaring with excitement about your new place, and the next, you’re plunging into a pit of stress thanks to some sneaky clause in the contract.

Let’s talk about one of the biggest traps that could derail your dream sale: the inspection contingency deadline.

You’ve got a great offer, and everything seems golden. The buyer’s thrilled, you’re thrilled—life is good.

Yet hidden in that stack of paperwork is a ticking time bomb: the inspection contingency deadline. This clause gives the buyer a set period—usually 7 to 10 days—to inspect your home and decide if they want to move forward, negotiate repairs, or bail out entirely.

Here’s where things can get messy.

If you overlook this deadline, it can blow up in your face.

I’ve seen sellers get blindsided because they didn’t fully understand this clause. They thought they were cruising to a sale, only to get hit with last-minute demands or, worse, watch the buyer walk away.

The Inspection Contingency Deadline

This isn’t just a footnote in your contract. It’s a ticking clock. The buyer has a set number of days to get your home inspected. If they find issues, they can ask for repairs or a price cut. If you don’t agree, they can walk, and you’re back at square one.

Why It’s a Big Deal

1. Stress and Anxiety: Your excitement can flip to dread if the buyer finds a small issue and demands a massive price cut. It’s like having the rug pulled out from under you.
2. Financial Impact: If the buyer bails after the inspection deadline, you might have to drop the price for future offers or pay for expensive repairs yourself.
3. Time Wasted: Every day your house sits unsold is a day you’re not moving forward with your life plans. If a deal falls through, you’re back to endless showings, more stress, and more uncertainty.

How to Dodge This Bullet

1. Know the Clause: Get familiar with how many days the buyer has for their inspection and what they can do during this period.
2. Be Proactive: Consider getting a pre-inspection done. It shows buyers you’re serious and helps you tackle issues before they become deal-breakers.
3. Stay Engaged: Keep communication lines open with your agent. Stay on top of deadlines and any buyer requests.

What to Discuss with Your Agent

Before you jump into the selling process, have a detailed conversation with me about the inspection contingency. Here’s what I’ll help you understand and handle:

• Timeframes: I’ll explain the typical timeframe for inspections in our market so you’re not caught off guard.
• Preparation: I’ll guide you on how to prepare your home for an inspection. From quick fixes to making it look its best, I’ve got you covered.
• Common Issues: We’ll go over what common problems might pop up during an inspection and how to address them efficiently.
• Negotiation Strategies: If issues arise, I’ll help you navigate repair requests or price adjustments, ensuring you get the best possible outcome.

Selling your home doesn’t have to be a horror story. By understanding and staying on top of critical deadlines like the inspection contingency, you can keep control and avoid nasty surprises.

Reach out to me to discuss these points and ensure you’re fully prepared. Your next chapter is waiting. Let’s make sure you get there without the drama.

A Signature Experience,