If you are buying or selling a home in the Tri-Cities, the inspection period is often the most emotional and misunderstood stage of the transaction.
Buyers worry about uncovering expensive surprises.
Sellers worry that minor issues will become major negotiation points.
Both sides often misunderstand what the inspection contingency actually allows under Washington State contracts. The inspection stage is one component of the broader transaction process explained in our guide to how buying or selling a home in the Tri-Cities really works.
In Washington, the inspection contingency is governed by standardized Northwest MLS forms, most commonly Form 35. It is not simply a home inspection. It is a defined contractual period with specific timelines, notice requirements, and clearly structured negotiation rights.
In most residential transactions throughout Benton and Franklin County, these same inspection provisions apply, making it essential for buyers and sellers in the Tri-Cities area to understand how the process actually works.
How the inspection unfolds can vary based on the age of the home, its construction style, accessibility of systems, seasonal conditions, and even the tools or specialty services involved. For example, a roof may not be walkable during winter snow, an air conditioning system cannot be properly tested in cold weather, and older homes with mature trees nearby may warrant a separate sewer scope beyond the standard inspection.
This guide explains:
- What the inspection contingency really is
• What buyers can and cannot do
• What sellers are and are not required to do
• How timelines work
• How negotiations typically unfold in the Tri-Cities market
The purpose of this guide is simple: clarity. When you understand how the inspection contingency functions under Washington contracts, the process becomes more predictable and far less overwhelming.
What the Inspection Contingency Actually Is in Washington State
In Washington, the inspection contingency is not automatically part of a purchase and sale agreement. It is a separate addendum, most commonly Northwest MLS Form 35, that can be attached to the contract when an offer is written. In most cases, buyers choose to include this addendum because it provides a defined opportunity to evaluate the property’s condition before becoming fully committed to the transaction.
When Form 35 is attached, it outlines exactly what a buyer is permitted to do during the inspection period and what steps must be taken to preserve those rights. It establishes a structured timeframe for inspections, responses, and negotiations.
At its core, the inspection contingency gives the buyer a specific number of days to investigate the property and determine how to proceed. During that period, the buyer may hire a licensed home inspector and, if needed, additional specialists such as sewer scope providers, pest inspectors, well testers, or structural engineers. These inspection-related expenses are part of the overall costs buyers should anticipate during a real estate transaction.
That protection, however, is governed by clearly defined contractual procedures. The contingency does not create an open-ended opportunity to renegotiate indefinitely, nor does it allow demands for repairs outside the defined notice process. Buyers must respond within the agreed timeframe and in the format required by the addendum in order to preserve their contractual options.
The contingency period exists for three primary purposes:
- To allow the buyer to investigate the property’s condition
• To request repairs or other modifications based on findings
• To terminate the agreement if the buyer is dissatisfied, provided contractual deadlines are met
If proper notice is delivered within the inspection timeframe, earnest money is typically protected under the terms of the agreement. If deadlines are missed, those protections may be lost.
It is important to distinguish between the inspection itself and the inspection contingency. The inspection is the physical evaluation of the property. The contingency is the contractual right that gives the buyer leverage and protection during that evaluation period.
What Form 35 Allows a Buyer to Do
Form 35 gives a buyer clearly defined, time-sensitive options during the inspection period.
First, the buyer may conduct a general home inspection through a licensed inspector. The buyer may also arrange additional inspections when appropriate, such as a sewer scope, pest inspection, well flow test, or structural evaluation. These specialty inspections are typically ordered at the buyer’s expense unless negotiated otherwise.
Second, after reviewing inspection results, the buyer may:
- Approve the property and satisfy the inspection contingency
• Request repairs
• Request a credit or price modification
• Terminate the agreement within the inspection timeframe
The form specifies how notice must be delivered and how the seller must respond. In Washington contracts, notice must be properly delivered before the deadline time, which defaults to 9:00 p.m. on the final day of the inspection period unless otherwise agreed.
If the buyer delivers written notice in the manner required by the addendum before the inspection deadline, the buyer preserves the contractual options tied to that response. Based on the structure of the contingency and the notice submitted, the buyer can formally request modifications or disapprove the inspection and terminate the agreement, which would entitle the buyer to the return of earnest money under the terms of the contract. Once contractual deadlines pass without proper action, those options expire and cannot be revived. Importantly, the contingency is based on the buyer’s satisfaction. The buyer is not required to prove that a defect is “major” in order to terminate during the inspection period.
The key is careful adherence to deadlines and delivery requirements. Once the inspection period expires without proper notice, the buyer’s rights under the contingency are waived.
A Buyer May Personally Conduct the Inspection
Form 35 does not require the buyer to hire a licensed home inspector. The addendum allows the buyer to personally inspect the property if they choose.
Regardless of who conducts the inspection, the buyer has the right to attend. Most professional inspectors encourage buyers to be present for at least part of the inspection so they can see conditions firsthand and ask questions.
In practice, many buyers choose to hire a licensed home inspector because professional reports provide structured documentation and often include written recommendations that may be necessary to trigger additional inspection timelines.
When a buyer conducts the inspection personally, the same contractual deadlines still apply. However, certain provisions, such as extending the inspection period for further evaluation by a licensed specialist, require written recommendations from a qualified professional. If a buyer plans to attend a professional inspection, it is often most productive to arrive near the end of the appointment. Inspectors typically follow a structured sequence when evaluating a property. Allowing them to complete their process without interruption helps ensure a thorough inspection. Many buyers choose to arrive approximately one hour before the expected completion time so the inspector can walk them through the findings in a focused and organized manner.
What Form 35 Does Not Allow a Buyer to Do
While the inspection contingency provides important protections, it also has clear limitations.
It does not require a seller to agree to repairs. A buyer may request modifications based on inspection findings, but the seller is not obligated to accept those requests.
It does not allow ongoing or indefinite negotiations. The addendum establishes firm response timelines for both parties. If those timelines expire without agreement or proper notice, the transaction either moves forward under the existing terms or the contingency is deemed satisfied, depending on how the addendum was structured.
It does not permit a buyer to delay closing while continuing to evaluate new concerns outside the inspection window. Once the contingency period has expired, new inspection-related objections generally cannot be introduced.
It is also important to understand that the inspection contingency is separate from other contractual contingencies. Financing, appraisal, title, and septic addenda each operate under their own timelines and rules. Confusing one with another can create unintended consequences.
In short, the inspection contingency creates a structured opportunity for evaluation and negotiation, but it is governed by strict deadlines and clearly defined procedures.
The Inspection Timeline in the Tri-Cities Market
Inspection periods in this market are relatively short. Five to ten days is common, though the exact timeframe is negotiated in the offer and written into the inspection addendum. In more competitive conditions, shorter timelines are sometimes agreed to in order to strengthen a buyer’s offer. Overall market activity, including current inventory levels and buyer demand, can influence how much flexibility buyers and sellers have when negotiating inspection timeframes.
The inspection clock typically begins on the day of mutual acceptance, unless otherwise specified in the contract. Mutual acceptance occurs when both buyer and seller have signed the agreement and all parties have been notified.
From that point forward, timing becomes critical.
During the inspection period, the buyer must:
- Schedule and complete inspections
• Review the inspection report
• Decide how to respond
• Deliver written notice before the contractual deadline
If the inspection period expires without written notice, the inspection contingency is deemed waived under the terms of Form 35. That means the buyer moves forward under the existing contract terms and can no longer use inspection findings to terminate the agreement.
It is also important to understand that response timelines for the seller are separate and clearly defined. Once a buyer submits a repair request or other inspection response, the seller has a limited window to accept, reject, or counter that request.
These deadlines are not flexible unless both parties formally agree in writing. Missing a deadline can permanently alter the leverage of either party.
For that reason, the inspection timeline is less about the inspection itself and more about managing contractual milestones correctly.
When the Inspection Clock Starts
In Washington contracts, the inspection period typically begins on the date of mutual acceptance unless the agreement states otherwise. Mutual acceptance occurs when both parties have signed the purchase and sale agreement and the fully signed version has been delivered to all parties, making the agreement binding.
The length of the inspection period is negotiated at the time the offer is written and agreed upon by both parties. While five to ten days is common in the Tri-Cities market, the timeframe itself does not adjust based on inspector availability or scheduling delays. Once agreed to, the buyer is responsible for performing within that period unless a written extension is formally approved by the seller.
Time calculation follows the standard provisions contained in the purchase and sale agreement. If the inspection period is five days or fewer, it is measured in business days and does not include weekends or legal holidays. If it is six days or more, it is measured in calendar days. When a calendar-day deadline falls on a weekend or legal holiday, the deadline automatically moves to the next business day as provided in the standard time-calculation provisions of the purchase and sale agreement. Unless otherwise specified, the deadline time defaults to 9:00 p.m. on the final day.
Because inspection timelines are fixed once agreed upon, buyers should schedule inspections immediately after mutual acceptance. Waiting several days to coordinate availability can significantly compress the time available to review findings and prepare a response.
What Happens If an Inspection Deadline Is Missed
Inspection deadlines are firm. If the buyer does not deliver written notice before the inspection period expires, the inspection contingency is deemed waived under the terms of Form 35.
When that happens, the buyer can no longer use inspection findings as a basis to terminate the agreement. The transaction continues toward closing under the existing terms of the contract.
Seller responses follow the structure and timelines established in Form 35. Form 35R is simply the notice form used to carry out those contractual instructions. After a buyer submits a request in Section 1 of Form 35R, the seller has the number of business days specified in the inspection addendum to respond in Section 2. If that response period is left blank in the addendum, the default is three business days.
The seller may agree to the requested repairs, reject them, agree in part, or propose an alternate remedy. If the seller does not respond before 9:00 p.m. on the final business day of the response period, the lack of response is treated as a rejection under the default terms of the addendum. The buyer must then proceed to Section 3 of Form 35R and decide whether to move forward without the requested repairs or terminate the agreement.
Certain notices resolve the contingency automatically. If a buyer delivers written notice that the inspection is satisfied, no seller response is required. If a buyer delivers written notice of disapproval and termination within the inspection period, the agreement is terminated under the contingency. Likewise, if a seller fully agrees to the buyer’s requested repairs within the response window, the inspection contingency is satisfied without further buyer action.
All timing calculations, including business-day and calendar-day distinctions and the 9:00 p.m. deadline rule, are governed by the standard provisions in the purchase and sale agreement.
The inspection period is therefore procedural as much as it is evaluative. The rights created by the addendum exist only within the defined timeframe. Once that timeframe closes, the leverage tied to it closes as well.
What Happens After the Inspection Report Is Delivered
Once the inspection is completed, the buyer typically receives a digital report later that same day or, in some cases, the following morning. The report outlines the inspector’s observations, including both minor maintenance items and more significant functional concerns.
Inspection reports are intentionally detailed. It is common for reports to range from 30 to more than 80 pages, depending on the property and the inspector’s reporting style. A lengthy report does not automatically indicate serious defects. It reflects thorough documentation.
As discussed earlier in this guide, the inspection contingency provides structured options. After reviewing the report, the buyer must use Form 35R to formally respond within the inspection period. The buyer’s options are:
- Deliver notice that the inspection is satisfied and move forward as-is
- Submit a written request for repairs, credit, or other modifications
- Deliver written notice of disapproval and terminate the agreement
Each of these responses is executed through the notice provisions outlined in Form 35 and carried out using Form 35R.
The buyer’s decision is typically influenced by three factors:
- The severity of the findings
• The estimated cost of repairs
• The overall desirability of the property relative to available alternatives
In most Tri-Cities transactions, termination is not the most common outcome. Instead, buyers and sellers often enter a structured negotiation based on the inspection findings.
This stage of the process can feel emotional. Buyers may feel overwhelmed by the scope of the report. Sellers may feel defensive about items identified in their home.
However, the inspection contingency exists to create a structured evaluation period before closing. It is designed to surface risk and allow informed decisions, not to create conflict.
Extending the Inspection Period for Additional Evaluations
Form 35 also allows for a structured extension of the inspection period when further evaluation by a licensed specialist is recommended.
At the time the inspection contingency is negotiated, the parties agree in advance to a specific number of days for additional inspections. If that section is left blank, the default period is five days.
However, the buyer does not automatically receive additional time simply by requesting it. To qualify for this unilateral extension, the original home inspector must recommend further evaluation by a licensed professional in the written inspection report. This commonly applies to systems such as roofing, HVAC, structural components, plumbing, or electrical concerns.
To activate the extension, the buyer delivers notice using Form 35R and attaches the portion of the inspection report that contains the inspector’s written recommendation for further evaluation. This notice does not require seller approval. It simply triggers the additional inspection period previously negotiated in Form 35.
During that additional timeframe, the buyer may obtain evaluations from licensed specialists at the buyer’s expense. The extended period creates a new inspection response deadline.
Before delivering any portion of the inspection report to the seller, it is important to follow proper procedure. Under Washington contracts, unless the seller has previously requested the report in writing, delivering the inspection report voluntarily can result in a waiver of the inspection contingency. Waiver is different from satisfaction. A waived contingency eliminates the buyer’s inspection protections entirely.
Best practice is for the seller to formally request relevant portions of the inspection report using Form 35C before the buyer provides documentation. This protects the buyer’s contingency rights while still allowing negotiation to proceed transparently.
At the conclusion of the additional inspection period, the buyer must again respond using Form 35R, just as described earlier in this guide.
Approving the Inspection and Moving Forward
After reviewing the inspection report, a buyer may determine that the findings are acceptable and choose to move forward without requesting modifications.
In that case, the buyer delivers written notice using Form 35R indicating that the inspection contingency is satisfied. This notice requires no seller response and formally removes the inspection contingency from the agreement.
Once satisfied, the transaction proceeds toward closing under the existing contract terms.
Approval does not mean the home is perfect. Nearly every inspection report identifies maintenance items, aging components, or minor deficiencies. Approval simply means the buyer is comfortable accepting the property in its current condition for purposes of the inspection contingency.
In many transactions, buyers approve inspections when:
- The issues are primarily cosmetic or routine maintenance
• The estimated repair costs are manageable
• The overall value of the property still aligns with expectations
• The buyer intends to make improvements after closing
From a seller’s perspective, an approval notice brings clarity and reduces uncertainty. From a buyer’s perspective, it signals that due diligence has been completed and the transaction is progressing toward closing.
Requesting Modifications or Repairs After the Inspection
If the buyer does not approve or disapprove the inspection, the remaining option under Form 35R during the inspection period is to request modifications and/or repairs.
Using Form 35R, the buyer may submit a written request identifying specific modifications or repairs. The form itself provides a single structured option for this purpose: the buyer requests the following modifications and/or repairs, which are then described in detail within the form or on attached pages.
The request must be delivered within the inspection timeframe and must clearly identify what is being requested. It is not sufficient to express general dissatisfaction. The request needs to be specific enough for the seller to respond clearly.
Although Form 35R does not contain a separate checkbox for price reductions or credits, Form 35 allows the buyer to propose modifications to the agreement. In practice, this can include requesting a credit at closing or a purchase price adjustment instead of requiring the seller to physically complete repairs. Those terms are written into the modification request itself and finalized only if both parties agree in writing.
It is important to understand that the seller is not required to agree to the buyer’s request. The inspection contingency creates the opportunity to request modifications, but it does not guarantee that they will be granted.
Sellers may respond by:
- Agreeing to the requested modifications or repairs in full
• Agreeing to some requested items but not others
• Rejecting the request
• Rejecting the request while proposing an alternate solution
If the seller agrees in full, the inspection contingency is satisfied without further buyer action. If the seller rejects or partially agrees, the buyer must respond within the negotiated reply period and decide whether to proceed or terminate.
Why Inspection Negotiations Often Feel More Emotional Than They Are
Inspection negotiations tend to feel intense because they occur after a buyer has mentally committed to the home and before a seller has fully detached from it. At that stage, both parties are invested.
Inspection reports are intentionally thorough. They document conditions neutrally, often using technical language that can make ordinary maintenance items sound more significant than they are. The volume of information, not necessarily the severity of the findings, is what often creates stress.
At the same time, sellers may experience the report as a spotlight on imperfections in a home they have lived in comfortably for years. That reaction is natural, but it does not change the purpose of the process.
The inspection contingency exists to create a structured evaluation period with defined options and deadlines. When viewed through that lens, negotiations become less about fault and more about allocating risk before closing.
When Must Agreed Repairs Be Completed?
If the seller agrees to complete repairs, Form 35 governs how and when that work must be performed.
The addendum requires that agreed repairs be completed in a commercially reasonable manner. This means the work must be performed with reasonable skill and care, consistent with standard practices.
Form 35 also establishes a completion timeline. Unless otherwise modified in writing, repairs must typically be completed no fewer than three days prior to closing. This default timeframe allows the buyer an opportunity to verify that agreed work has been completed.
If additional time is needed, both parties must agree in writing to adjust the timeline.
Clear documentation of agreed repairs and completion timing helps prevent misunderstandings before closing.
Are Agreed Repairs Subject to Reinspection?
When a seller agrees to complete repairs under Form 35, those repairs are subject to reinspection and approval prior to closing by the inspector or licensed specialist who originally recommended the repair, unless otherwise agreed in writing.
This provision exists to ensure that agreed work has been completed in a commercially reasonable manner and addresses the condition that prompted the request. The buyer is not required to simply assume the repair was performed correctly.
In practice, buyers often schedule a follow-up visit with their inspector shortly before closing to verify that the agreed items have been addressed. This step provides documentation and helps prevent last-minute surprises.
Terminating the Agreement After Inspection
If the buyer determines that the inspection findings are unacceptable, the buyer may deliver written notice of disapproval within the inspection period using Form 35R.
When properly delivered before the deadline, this notice terminates the agreement under the inspection contingency.
No seller approval is required for the termination itself. The inspection contingency gives the buyer the right to withdraw during the inspection period if the buyer is not satisfied with the property’s condition.
Upon proper termination under the inspection contingency, the buyer is entitled to the return of earnest money in accordance with the terms of the purchase and sale agreement. In practice, escrow companies typically require a separate written authorization signed by both parties before earnest money is disbursed, even when termination is contractually valid.
It is important to understand that termination must occur within the inspection timeframe. Once the inspection contingency is waived due to a missed deadline, termination based on inspection findings is no longer available.
In most Tri-Cities transactions, termination after inspection is not the most common outcome. Many transactions proceed as-is or resolve through negotiated modifications. However, the right to terminate remains an important protection that allows buyers to make informed decisions before closing.
Should You Get a Home Inspection on New Construction?
Some buyers assume that a newly built home does not require an inspection because it has just been constructed and passed municipal building inspections.
While new construction often meets current code requirements, a municipal building inspection is not the same as a private home inspection.
City or county inspectors review specific stages of construction for code compliance. Their role is to confirm that the home meets minimum building standards. They are not performing a comprehensive, property-wide evaluation on behalf of the buyer.
A private home inspector, by contrast, evaluates the finished home as a whole system. This includes roofing installation, attic ventilation, HVAC performance, drainage, grading, electrical outlets, plumbing fixtures, appliance operation, and visible workmanship concerns.
Even well-built new homes can have:
- Incomplete installations
• Minor plumbing leaks
• HVAC setup issues
• Insulation gaps
• Improper drainage near foundations
• Cosmetic defects or unfinished items
In many Tri-Cities developments, homes are built on tight construction schedules. This includes newer neighborhoods in Kennewick, Pasco, and West Richland, where residential growth has expanded rapidly in recent years. Subcontractors rotate between properties, and small items can be missed during final walkthroughs.
An inspection on new construction is not an accusation that something is wrong. It is simply a final verification before closing.
Some buyers also choose to conduct a “pre-drywall inspection” during construction and a full inspection before closing. Others rely on the builder’s warranty but still want documentation of the home’s condition at the time of purchase.
Ultimately, the decision depends on the buyer’s risk tolerance. The inspection contingency exists to allow evaluation, whether the home is fifty years old or brand new. For buyers evaluating timing as well as property condition, broader considerations about whether to buy or wait may also factor into the decision.
Common Misunderstandings About Home Inspections
Home inspections are one of the most misunderstood parts of a real estate transaction. Many frustrations arise not from the inspection itself, but from incorrect expectations about what it is supposed to accomplish.
Below are some of the most common misconceptions.
A Home Inspection Is a Pass or Fail Test
In most residential transactions using Northwest MLS forms, a home inspection is not structured as a simple pass or fail event. Inspectors document observable conditions. They do not determine whether a buyer should or should not purchase the property.
Nearly every home, including new construction, will generate a list of findings. The presence of items in a report does not automatically mean the home is defective.
There are limited situations, such as certain bank-owned or REO properties, where the seller allows an inspection but will not agree to make repairs. In those cases, the inspection may function more practically as pass-fail. However, in standard transactions governed by Form 35, the inspection contingency is designed to allow requests for modifications within defined timelines.
“Informational Only” or “Pass-Fail” Language Eliminates Repair Rights
In competitive situations, buyers sometimes write offers stating that the inspection is for “informational purposes only” or that it will be “pass-fail.”
This language is often intended to reassure the seller that the buyer will not request repairs.
However, if a Form 35 inspection contingency is included in the agreement, the rights granted under that addendum still apply unless specifically modified within the contingency itself.
Simply adding “informational only” language in a separate clause does not automatically eliminate the contractual rights created by the inspection contingency.
Buyers and sellers should carefully review how inspection language is structured within the offer to understand which provisions control.
The Seller Must Fix Everything Identified
The inspection contingency allows a buyer to request modifications. It does not obligate a seller to agree to them.
Inspection negotiations are about risk allocation, not perfection. Homes are sold in varying conditions, and the contract does not require a seller to deliver a flawless property.
Inspectors Enforce Building Code
Private home inspectors are not municipal code enforcement officers. Their role is to identify visible defects and safety concerns at the time of inspection.
A home may have been built to the code standards of its era and still not meet current building practices. That does not automatically make it non-compliant or unsafe.
Cosmetic Items Justify Major Concessions
Inspection reports often include cosmetic observations such as worn caulking, minor drywall cracks, loose hardware, or aging fixtures.
In most Tri-Cities transactions, negotiations focus on material issues affecting safety, major systems, or structural integrity rather than routine maintenance items.
An Inspection Eliminates All Risk
An inspection is a visual evaluation performed on a specific day. Inspectors cannot see inside walls, predict future system failures, or guarantee long-term performance.
The purpose of the inspection is to reduce uncertainty, not eliminate all risk.
Frequently Asked Questions About Inspections in the Tri-Cities
Can a buyer back out after a home inspection in Washington?
Yes. If the buyer delivers written notice of disapproval within the inspection period using Form 35R, the agreement is terminated under the inspection contingency. The notice must be delivered before the contractual deadline. If the inspection contingency is waived due to a missed deadline, termination based on inspection findings is no longer available.
Do sellers have to fix items found during an inspection?
No. The inspection contingency allows the buyer to request modifications or repairs, but it does not require the seller to agree. Sellers may accept, partially accept, reject, or propose alternative solutions within the response timeframe.
What is considered a “major defect” in a home inspection?
Washington inspection contingencies do not rely on a predefined list of “major defects.” The buyer’s satisfaction governs the contingency. In practice, negotiations often focus on safety concerns, structural issues, roofing problems, HVAC failures, plumbing leaks, or electrical hazards rather than cosmetic wear.
Who pays for the home inspection?
In most transactions, the buyer pays for the home inspection and any additional evaluations the buyer chooses to obtain. If repairs are later negotiated, the cost allocation depends on what the parties agree to in writing.
Can a seller see the buyer’s inspection report?
A seller is not automatically entitled to the buyer’s inspection report. Under standard Northwest MLS forms, the seller must formally request the report in writing before the buyer provides it. Delivering the report without proper procedure can affect the buyer’s inspection contingency rights.
What happens if the seller refuses all repair requests?
If the seller rejects the buyer’s request within the response period, the buyer must decide whether to move forward under the existing terms or terminate within the allowed reply timeframe. The inspection contingency does not compel agreement; it creates a structured decision window.
Is a sewer scope included in a standard home inspection?
A sewer scope is typically an additional service rather than part of the base inspection fee. Many experienced home inspectors in the Tri-Cities offer sewer scoping as an optional add-on and have the equipment to perform it during the same appointment.
Whether a sewer scope is recommended often depends on the age of the home, the presence of mature trees near sewer lines, and the type of sewer system serving the property. Many established neighborhoods throughout the Tri-Cities, including parts of Richland, feature mature landscaping that can make sewer evaluation advisable. Buyers can discuss this directly with their inspector to determine whether it is advisable in their specific situation.
Should buyers attend the home inspection?
Buyers have the right to attend the inspection if they choose. Many inspectors encourage buyers to be present for at least part of the appointment so they can see conditions firsthand and ask questions.
In practice, it is often most productive for buyers to arrive near the end of the inspection. This allows the inspector to complete their structured evaluation without interruption and then provide a focused walkthrough of the findings.
Attendance is encouraged but not required. Buyers who are unable to attend can still receive a detailed written report and discuss findings directly with the inspector afterward.
Understanding how the inspection contingency works removes much of the uncertainty from a real estate transaction. Whether buying or selling in the Tri-Cities, clarity around timelines and procedures allows both parties to move forward with confidence.
This guide reflects how inspection contingencies are commonly structured and managed in Tri-Cities residential transactions using Northwest MLS forms. You can learn more about my approach to representing buyers and sellers here.