Inspections & Subject Removal

The Subject Removal Period

Once you accept an offer with subjects, the buyer typically has 5 to 10 business days to complete their due diligence. During this time, expect:

- A professional home inspection — you will need to provide access - Possible strata document requests for condos and townhomes - The buyer's lender ordering an independent appraisal - Potential follow-up questions or requests from the buyer's side

The deal is not done until subjects are removed. I keep you informed at every stage so you always know exactly where things stand.

Handling Inspection Results

Inspectors will find something — they always do. The question is how significant the findings are:

  1. Minor items: Most buyers accept these as normal. No renegotiation needed.
  2. Moderate repairs: The buyer may request a credit, price adjustment, or specific repairs. I will advise you on what is reasonable and negotiate fairly.
  3. Major issues: Foundation problems, significant water damage, or serious electrical concerns can threaten a deal. This is exactly why a pre-listing inspection can be so valuable.

The Pre-Listing Inspection Advantage

Consider getting your own inspection before we go to market. The benefits are real:

  • No surprises during the buyer's due diligence
  • Fix issues on your terms and your timeline, often at lower cost
  • Build buyer confidence by providing a recent inspection report upfront
  • Strengthen your negotiating position — informed sellers are harder to push around

The cost is typically $400 to $600 and it often pays for itself many times over in smoother negotiations and faster closings.

The Rescission Period

Remember that in BC, buyers have a 3-business-day rescission period after an accepted offer becomes binding. The rescission fee is 0.25% of the purchase price. As your agent, I factor this into our strategy and timeline so you are never caught off guard.

AK

Aparna's Insight

I prepare my sellers before the inspection by walking through the home and identifying anything an inspector is likely to flag. We address what we can proactively and prepare responses for the rest. No surprises means smoother negotiations.

Have Questions About This Step?

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