Yes, Tulsa homeowners. Wintertime is still a great time to sell your home. While our peak selling time usually comes in the spring, buyers still need homes right now. So, those looking during the winter months really mean business. That means less looky-loos right now and more serious homebuyers during the wintertime. Unfortunately, some of these same buyers may cross the line when considering your Tulsa home by bringing along an inspector before you have a sales agreement in hand. It helps you to know your seller’s rights when it comes to a home inspection.
Seller’s Rights For a Home Inspection
Can a Buyer Inspect Without the Seller’s Permission?
In a word? No. In fact, anyone who enters your property (inside or outside) without your permission is considered a trespasser according to Oklahoma state law. However, buyers may request an inspection contingency as part of the sales agreement. This allows them to hire a professional inspector to inspect the property thoroughly. (And that is totally normal.) When a seller signs a sales agreement with this stipulation, it constitutes permission for the inspector to enter. The inspection usually happens within seven to ten days of the signing of the agreement. But when it comes to viewing the house before any agreement is made, a home seller does not need to allow an inspector on their property unless they want to.
Professional Inspectors Know the Rules
A good inspector knows that they need written permission from the homeowner before they conduct a home inspection. Appraisers are the same way. If they are honest and above-board, they will refuse to enter without written permission no matter what their client wants.
Dual Agent Dilemma
Sometimes, one agent may represent both the buyer and the seller. Even in that case, the agent cannot grant permission to the buyer on the seller’s behalf for a home inspection. Approval must still come directly from the seller. If you find yourself in a dual agent situation and the agent allows the potential buyer to conduct an official inspection before putting in an offer without your permission, you might want to find yourself a new agent. At the very least, contact the agent’s broker about the issue.
Pre-Offer Inspections
With COVID still being a huge concern for many people, showings may be limited. Sometimes it might benefit a seller to consider allowing the potential buyer a pre-offer inspection. These run for about 30 minutes and happen during a showing with the buyer. If a buyer requests this, talk to your real estate agent about it before granting permission for the home inspection.
Lori Cain, REALTOR®, Serving Midtown and the greater Tulsa, OK area. Call 918-852-5036.
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