Many of today's purchase offers include a contingency clause that allows the buyers to hire a home inspector or professional expert to inspect the property. If there is a significant defect in the property, the buyer can cancel the contract without losing the earnest money deposit. Contingencies are excellent procedures that protects both the buyer and the seller.

The time period for inspection contingencies is negotiable. In most parts of the country, the buyers have about a week in which to cancel the contract if the structural inspection reveals a serious and consequential defect. The positive side to such contingencies is that the inspection usually addresses--and overcomes--the buyers' misgivings, and confirms their decision to move ahead with the purchase.

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Christina Danley
Sotheby's International Realty
200 Clocktower Suite 100D
Carmel, CA 93923
Cell: 831-601-5355
Fax: 831-855-0210
christina.danley@sothebyshomes.com

Christina Danley ranked in the top 5% for all Monterey Peninsula Sotheby's Real Estate Agents in 2009, and top 20% for 2008. Christina has been a broker associate since 1987. Christina earned the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) designation, which distinguishes a higher level of education in real estate and a professional affiliation affording up-to-the-minute industry information and local market knowledge. She is the proud receiver of the John Leo Award, in recognition of top sales volume within the Monterey County Association of Realtors, for 1998. She holds a lifetime limited service credential for California Community Colleges and was honored with the Papa Vince award for excellence in hospitality.