In the state of Pennsylvania, you have 2 options when it comes to your home inspections.  It is important that you understand both of them and make an informed decision.  Unfortunately many buyers and sellers do not really know what they are and what makes them different.  So lets take a look:

·        Option 1: This is a total walk away clause.  If there is anything at all in the inspection that you are not happy with that is a material defect of the property, you are free to walk away and your hand monies will be returned to you.

·        Option 2: This clause will still allow you to terminate an agreement based on the results of inspections, HOWEVER, in this option, you agree to first attempt to work out the problems through a set negotiation pattern as follows

o       Prepare and present a written proposal of how you feel the corrections should be made (i.e. who will pay for the repairs, who will make the repairs, etc) this proposal should be accompanied by a copy of the inspection report and estimates from contractors that are qualified to perform the repairs.

o       The seller will then have the opportunity to review and respond to the proposal and either accept, reject, or counter it.

o       If both parties cannot agree upon a satisfactory solution, you are then able to either terminate the deal or continue on with the sale as is.

   Now at first, from a buyer’s point of view, option 1 may seem like the better choice, however, by selecting option 2 you are showing good faith to the sellers of the property by showing them that you are not just going to change your mind and hide behind the inspection clause by picking some random issue and choosing to walk away.  Also, you are not in any way loosing your protections by choosing option 2 since you are still free to terminate the agreement if you cannot have the problems corrected in a reasonable way.