Who pays for Inspection if deal falls through

Who pays for Inspection if deal falls through

Member since 2020 · 17 posts · 5 votes

Hello, say that you have an offer accepted with an inspection contingency and hypothetical $2,000 in escrow. You pay $500 for a general inspection and figure out the deal will not work after the inspection and bids from contractors you choose to back out. Am I assuming correctly that You would get the $2,000 back that is in escrow but still be liable for the $500 you paid for the inspection and any additional inspections you choose to have?

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Real Estate Agent · Worcester Ma · Member since 2019 · 118 posts · 117 votes
4y

Hi Mason, I agree with the previous person. They buyer (at least here in Massachusetts) typically pays for the inspections unless an agreement was made with the seller. As far as the $2,000.00 back , typically if you had an inspection contingency and followed your duties within the realms of the inspection period then you should also get that back. I would refer to the contract you signed and if you are working with an attorney they would be able to spell this out for you as well. 

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  • Real Estate Consultant · Seattle, WA · Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 784 votes
    4y

    The buyer pays for the inspection and any other professionals they hire as part of their due diligence 

  • Real Estate Agent · Worcester Ma · Member since 2019 · 118 posts · 117 votes
    4y

    Hi Mason, I agree with the previous person. They buyer (at least here in Massachusetts) typically pays for the inspections unless an agreement was made with the seller. As far as the $2,000.00 back , typically if you had an inspection contingency and followed your duties within the realms of the inspection period then you should also get that back. I would refer to the contract you signed and if you are working with an attorney they would be able to spell this out for you as well. 

  • Bruce WoodruffPro Member
    Contractor/Investor/Consultant · San Diego / Phoenix · Member since 2021 · 12k+ posts · 15k+ votes
    4y

    Yes, the buyer pays for all inspections. Why would the seller pay for them? They could have 20 prospective buyers get under contract and request an inspection. That's $10k.

  • Theresa HarrisPro Member
    Member since 2019 · 15k+ posts · 11k+ votes
    4y

    Under the scenario you outlined, you are correct.  

  • Investor · Austin, TX · Member since 2021 · 9k+ posts · 5k+ votes
    4y

    Inspection and option money is paid by the buyer and non refundable. If you fall under your option time your earnest will be refunded. 

  • Nathan GesnerBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes
    4y

    Buyer pays for any inspections or appraisal. If the deal falls through, you don't get reimbursed.

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  • Chris SeveneyBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Investor · VA · Member since 2015 · 21k+ posts · 19k+ votes
    4y

    @Mason Haley

    Even if the house was a complete disaster you are still on hook for inspection and any other costs like an appraisal

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  • Lien VuongBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Boston, MA · Member since 2018 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    4y

    Absolutely you would be responsible for that cost. It was a service that was rendered. 

  • Wale LawalBusiness Member
    Real Estate Broker · Houston | Dallas | Austin, TX · Member since 2018 · 5k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    4y

    @Mason Haley

    Unless negotiated and altered before 'Acceptance' of the contract, Buyers use this 5–7 day period to find a home inspector to perform a Home Inspection at their expense regardless of whether the deal flies or falls through. The buyer has the option to get a home inspection, at their own cost.

    Connect with a local Investor-Agent as they can help shorten your learning curve and save you a lot of headaches as they tend to understand the market better.

    All the best!

  • Andrew SyriosPro Member
    Moderator
    Residential Real Estate Investor · Kansas City, MO · Member since 2014 · 10k+ posts · 5k+ votes
    4y

    Everything is negotiable but it's the buyer who pays for inspections basically every time.

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