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:
- Minor items: Most buyers accept these as normal. No renegotiation needed.
- Moderate repairs: The buyer may request a credit, price adjustment, or specific repairs. I will advise you on what is reasonable and negotiate fairly.
- 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.