Inspections, Appraisals & What Happens Under Contract
Once your offer is accepted, the real work begins. This phase is about understanding the home's condition, confirming that the value supports your financing and working through the details that can affect whether you move forward with confidence.
Turning your contract into confidence.
Once you're under contract, inspections, appraisal and other key steps help you understand the property, confirm the value and work through any issues before closing. This is your opportunity to gather information, meet important deadlines and make informed decisions as the transaction moves forward.
What happens after your offer is accepted?
Home Inspection
Learn more about the home's condition, major systems and potential repair concerns.
Appraisal
If you're financing the purchase, your lender may require an appraisal to evaluate the home's value.
Review & Negotiate
Review results, evaluate concerns and determine whether repairs, credits or other solutions should be requested.
Stay on Track
Keep communication moving and make sure contractual, financing and closing deadlines are met.
What to expect at each step.
Home Inspections
A professional home inspection gives you a more detailed look at the property's visible condition and major systems. Depending on the property, buyers may also choose additional inspections or evaluations for specific components or concerns.
Inspection findings can help you understand immediate repair needs, maintenance items and issues you may want to investigate further.
Appraisal
If you're using a mortgage, the lender may require an appraisal to provide an independent opinion of the property's value.
The appraisal helps the lender evaluate whether the home's value supports the financing being requested. It is different from a home inspection and is not intended to identify every condition issue with the property.
Review & Negotiation
Once inspection results and other information are available, you'll review what matters most and decide whether additional questions, repair requests, credits or other negotiated solutions make sense.
Sellers are not automatically required to agree to every request, so the goal is to separate significant concerns from normal maintenance and keep the larger transaction in perspective.
Turning your contract into confidence.
Once you're under contract, inspections, appraisal and other key steps help you understand the property, confirm the value and work through any issues before closing. This is your opportunity to gather information, meet important deadlines and make informed decisions as the transaction moves forward.
What happens after your offer is accepted?
Home Inspection
Learn more about the home's condition, major systems and potential repair concerns.
Appraisal
If you're financing the purchase, your lender may require an appraisal to evaluate the home's value.
Review & Negotiate
Review results, evaluate concerns and determine whether repairs, credits or other solutions should be requested.
Stay on Track
Keep communication moving and make sure contractual, financing and closing deadlines are met.
What to expect at each step.
Home Inspections
A professional home inspection gives you a more detailed look at the property's visible condition and major systems. Depending on the property, buyers may also choose additional inspections or evaluations for specific components or concerns.
Inspection findings can help you understand immediate repair needs, maintenance items and issues you may want to investigate further.
Appraisal
If you're using a mortgage, the lender may require an appraisal to provide an independent opinion of the property's value.
The appraisal helps the lender evaluate whether the home's value supports the financing being requested. It is different from a home inspection and is not intended to identify every condition issue with the property.
Review & Negotiation
Once inspection results and other information are available, you'll review what matters most and decide whether additional questions, repair requests, credits or other negotiated solutions make sense.
Sellers are not automatically required to agree to every request, so the goal is to separate significant concerns from normal maintenance and keep the larger transaction in perspective.
Make the most of your contract period.
- Schedule your inspection early.
- Attend the inspection if possible.
- Ask questions and get clarity on any concerns.
- Keep communication open with your agent, lender and attorney.
- Review all deadlines in your contract.
- Look at the big picture — not just the small stuff.
- Work with trusted, local professionals.
- Make informed decisions that align with your goals.
FAQs about inspections and appraisals.
Do I have to attend the home inspection?
You are not always required to attend, but being there can be helpful. It gives you an opportunity to see concerns firsthand, ask questions and better understand the inspector's findings.
What does a home inspection cover?
A general home inspection typically evaluates visible components and major systems such as the roof, structure, plumbing, electrical, HVAC and other accessible areas of the property.
What happens if the inspection finds issues?
Inspection findings can help you decide whether to request repairs, ask for a credit, gather additional information or move forward as-is. The appropriate response depends on the issue, the contract and your priorities.
What if the home doesn't appraise for the purchase price?
A low appraisal can affect financing. Depending on the contract and circumstances, the parties may need to review options such as adjusting the price, changing financing terms or addressing any valuation gap.
Can I negotiate repairs after the inspection?
Buyers may request repairs, credits or other solutions, but sellers are not automatically required to agree. Any changes should be negotiated and documented appropriately.
What other contingencies should I be aware of?
Depending on the transaction, financing, appraisal, title, insurance and other contractual deadlines may affect the purchase. Your specific contract determines which obligations and timelines apply.
What happens if I need to terminate the contract?
Your rights and financial consequences depend on the contract terms and timing. Before terminating, review the applicable deadlines and provisions so you understand what funds may be at risk.
How long does this process usually take?
Timing varies by transaction. Inspection scheduling, appraisal, lender requirements, negotiations and closing preparation all influence how quickly the contract-to-closing process moves.
I'm here to guide you through it.
From inspections to the appraisal and everything in between, I'll help you navigate the contract process with confidence.
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