Well and septic inspections may indeed be required to get mortgage approval. But it depends on the type of mortgage you are seeking.
A conventional mortgage through Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac typically do not require well and septic inspections. I say “typically” not required because there may be an instance where they are required. Read More
It is very common for a buyer and seller to negotiate a seller credit in lieu of repairs after a buyer does a home inspection. Most sellers do not want to bother with doing a small amount of repairs, and some may not have the money until after they go to settlement, so they negotiate a credit and offer to pay some money at settlement for these repairs. The problem comes when the Realtors word this incorrectly in the contract and end up causing last minute problems.
A home inspection protects the buyer. It’s meant to uncover potentially serious issues with the home so that you understand what you’re buying.
In a competitive market, some buyers walk through the home with an inspector before making an offer on the home. This gives them the confidence to formally waive the inspection contingency when they make their offer, possibly putting their offer in a stronger position to be accepted. However, a home inspection may identify the need for major repairs or builder oversights and minimize unpleasant surprises or unexpected difficulties. Read More
I sometimes get asked about waiving one or all contingencies in a real estate contract, to help make for a more aggressive offer in a competitive sellers market. The main contingencies in most real estate contracts are the appraisal contingency, the financing contingency, the termite inspection contingency, and the home inspection contingency. I am not a proponent or an opponent of any of these strategies, but simply want to discuss the pros and cons of each, since it is a question I do get. In this blog I’d like to discuss waiving the Termite Inspection contingency. Read More
