What happens if a home inspection finds something major?
Quick answer: If your Bloomington inspection uncovers a major issue, like foundation movement, an unsafe panel, a failing furnace, or sewer damage, you have several options within your contingency period. You can request the seller repair it, ask for a credit or price reduction, get a specialist evaluation to understand the true scope and cost, or, if it is serious and unresolved, cancel the contract and recover your earnest money. A major finding is information that protects you, not necessarily a deal-ender.
First, get clarity on scope. Major findings often warrant a specialist, such as a structural engineer or HVAC technician, to determine exactly how serious and how costly the issue is. Sometimes it is less severe than it first appears.
With that information, you negotiate. Sellers frequently address significant problems to keep a deal together, through repairs, credits, or price adjustments. Your agent helps craft a request proportional to the actual findings and cost.
If the issue is severe and the seller will not resolve it, your inspection contingency is your protection. Acting within the deadline, you can cancel the purchase and recover your earnest money rather than inheriting a costly problem after closing.
