What you need to know about home inspections in Tucson, Arizona.

The home inspection period is a pivotal phase in the homebuying process. Today, I’ll provide valuable insights and guidance to demystify the inspection period in Tucson to help you make informed decisions when purchasing a home.

The inspection period in Tucson, Arizona, typically lasts for ten days from the date of contract acceptance. During this time, the buyer has the opportunity to conduct various due diligence activities, including termite, home, roof, sewer, electrical, and AC inspections. Additionally, this is when buyers can interact with neighbors to assess the neighborhood’s suitability for their preferences and check the proximity of grocery stores, schools, and work locations.

If any issues or expensive repairs are discovered during the home inspection, the buyer can request repair items from the seller. It’s important to note that this is not the time to request repairs for every minor issue; it’s meant to address substantial concerns, like electrical problems, AC or furnace issues, and roof damage. For instance, requesting a seller to replace an older AC unit simply due to its age, even if it’s functional, may not be reasonable. The primary purpose of these inspections is to assess the property’s overall condition and manage expectations.

“If any issues or expensive repairs are discovered during the home inspection, the buyer can request repair items from the seller.”

If the buyer decides to request repairs, a document called the “Buyer’s Inspection Notice Seller’s Response Form” is submitted to the seller’s agent. The seller then has five days to respond to this request, starting from the day following the request date. The seller can respond in one of three ways: agreeing to everything, declining everything, or a mix of both. If the seller declines any items or doesn’t agree to everything, the buyer has an additional five days to cancel the contract due to disapproval, and they receive a full refund of their earnest money.

During this negotiation process, an experienced agent can be invaluable in advocating for the buyer’s interests. They may work to secure as many of the requested repairs as possible or negotiate a credit for the buyer to use towards closing costs.

There is more to this process, and I’m available to discuss it further. You can reach me at (520) 245-3188, and I’m here to assist you with any questions or concerns.