GLOSSARY — REAL ESTATE TERMS

Inspection Contingency

An inspection contingency is a contract provision that gives a buyer a defined window to inspect a property's physical condition and negotiate repairs, a price adjustment, or cancel the contract based on what's found.

What the inspection period covers

During the inspection contingency period, a buyer typically orders a general home inspection, and often specialized inspections (roof, sewer lateral, pest, pool) depending on the property. This period exists independently of the seller's required disclosures -- inspections often surface issues a seller wasn't aware of or didn't have to disclose.

Negotiating after an inspection

If an inspection turns up material issues, buyers commonly respond with a formal repair request, asking the seller to either complete repairs, provide a credit, or reduce the price. If the two sides can't agree, the buyer can cancel within the contingency period and recover their earnest money deposit.

What a general inspection typically costs

A general home inspection in Southern California typically runs $400 to $600 depending on square footage, with specialized inspections -- sewer lateral, pool, roof -- adding $150 to $400 each. These are buyer-paid costs regardless of what the inspection finds.

WHAT TO DO DURING YOUR INSPECTION PERIOD

Schedule your general inspection in the first few days, not the last
Book specialized inspections (roof, sewer, pest) early if the property warrants them
Put any repair request in writing before the contingency deadline
Know your cancellation deadline before negotiations over repairs finish

How long is a typical inspection contingency in California?

Around 17 days is standard under the default California purchase agreement terms, though this is negotiable and often shortened in competitive markets.

Can I ask for repairs instead of canceling?

Yes -- a formal, prioritized repair request is the most common outcome, asking the seller to complete specific repairs, provide a credit, or adjust the price rather than the buyer walking away entirely.

What if the seller refuses all repair requests?

If negotiations don't resolve and the contingency is still active, the buyer can cancel the contract and recover their deposit.