Inspections

As briefly discussed in a prior section, the purchase agreement often has contingencies attached. The most common contingencies are a home inspection and a home appraisal.

Unless otherwise stated in the contract, the buyer pays for the various inspections they want performed on the property. This can range from structural analysis—i.e. construction, plumbing, electrical—to pest assessment (i.e. termite or dry rot). There is also a roof inspection, soil stability (especially California homes that are situated on a hill or slop) and any permits or zoning inspections — particularly if you’ve recently remodeled the home.