How Long Do Sellers Have to Respond After Inspection?

A home inspection contingency is a standard clause in real estate purchase agreements, allowing buyers to assess a property’s condition before finalizing the purchase. This provision protects buyers by providing an opportunity to identify any significant issues that might affect the home’s value or safety. During this period, sellers anticipate receiving feedback regarding the inspection findings. The process includes a specific timeframe for the seller to formally respond to the buyer’s requests or concerns.

Understanding the Inspection Response Timeline

The inspection response timeline is governed by the purchase agreement, which typically outlines a specific “inspection contingency period.” This period allows the buyer to conduct a thorough home inspection and then communicate findings or requests to the seller. The duration of this contingency period often ranges from 7 to 14 days, though it can vary based on negotiations and local market practices.

Within this broader contingency, a “seller response period” is usually defined, specifying how long the seller has to reply to the buyer’s requests. This timeframe is established in the contract and can be as short as 3 days or up to 15 days. Contractual deadlines often refer to “calendar days,” meaning every day counts, including weekends and holidays. However, some contracts may specify “business days,” which typically exclude weekends and public holidays. Both parties must understand whether the contract refers to calendar or business days to avoid missing deadlines.

Seller’s Actions After Inspection

Once the buyer submits their inspection report and repair requests, the seller must formally respond within the timeframe specified in the purchase agreement. This response is typically communicated in writing and addresses the buyer’s concerns.

Sellers have several options. They can agree to all buyer requests, committing to specified repairs or providing credits. Sellers may also counter-offer, agreeing to some repairs or credits while rejecting others, or proposing solutions like a price reduction. Another option is to reject all requests, indicating unwillingness to perform repairs or offer concessions. While no fixes are mandatory, sellers often consider market conditions and issue severity, as buyers can terminate the contract if major issues are found and negotiations fail.

Buyer’s Subsequent Steps

After receiving the seller’s response, the buyer has a specified timeframe to decide on their next course of action. This decision is communicated to the seller in writing.

The buyer can accept the seller’s response, whether it’s an agreement to their requests, a counter-offer, or a rejection. If the seller provided a counter-offer, the buyer can accept it, attempt further negotiation, or reject it. Should negotiations fail, or if the seller’s response is unsatisfactory and the contract allows, the buyer may terminate the contract and walk away from the purchase without losing their earnest money.

Importance of Adhering to Deadlines

Adhering to established deadlines throughout the home inspection and response process is important for all parties in a real estate transaction. These timelines, outlined in the purchase agreement, are legally binding. Missing a deadline can have substantial consequences, impacting contractual rights and financial outcomes.

For buyers, failing to meet deadlines might result in losing the right to request repairs or terminate the contract, potentially forfeiting their earnest money deposit. For sellers, a missed deadline could void the contract or reduce negotiation leverage. Proactive communication helps ensure all deadlines are met. If more time is needed, parties can mutually agree to written extensions.