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Home Inspection & Radon Tests

Vienna real estate contingenciesYou should expect a buyer to include a Home Inspection Contingency, and a Radon Inspection Contingency too.

Virginia is a “caveat emptor” state meaning that home buyers are responsible for conducting their own “due diligence” to their satisfaction. Sellers don’t need to disclose much about their home in Virginia, which is a sharp contrast to Maryland where sellers must disclose everything (even things they don’t know) to home buyers.

Both of these contingencies typically take place within a 10 day window here in Northern Virginia.

A significant change since you bought your house is that the home inspection contingency paragraph allows the purchaser to conduct “any inspection” necessary.

A home buyer can hire a chimney inspection company, a plumber, a roofer… I am sure you get the point since you will probably want to thoroughly inspect your next house too.

Virginia puts the responsibility on the buyer to conduct inspections unless specified in the sales contract.

A few examples of a specific inspection that the seller must repair (per the NVAR sales contract) including the septic systems, a water well, or wood destroying insect (termite) inspection results.

The Home Inspection and Radon Inspection Contingencies now include a Negotiation Period. This period may be 7 days long and it allows you and the buyer the chance to reach an agreement.

If the buyer can not agree by the end of the NP then the buyer has the option to declare the contract Void. If that Notice isn’t given, then the contingency is automatically removed and the contract is in full force and effect.

It sounds complicated but the logic works.

Contingency periods from “Ratification Date”:

  • Home Inspection: within 10 days
  • Negotiation Period: within 7 days
  • Radon Test: within 10 days

Radon Inspection Contingencies work the same way.

If the results of the radon test exceed the EPA Action Level, the buyer is likely to submit a copy of the results and an addendum requesting the installation of a remediation device (cost about $850) prior to settlement. There is a retest involved too (about $145).

Radon is considered a “defect” and it is very easy to remediate if necessary.


Let’s Get More In Depth:

  • Digital Signatures

  • MRIS

  • Zillow Value Estimate vs. RPR Value Estimate

  • Mobile Apps from Zillow, Redfin, Realtor.com

  • Sotheby’s Lifestyle Websites

  • What is My Home Worth?

  • Facebook Marketing

  • Open Houses

  • Negotiation

  • 3D Tours & Floor Plans

Vienna real estate agent Doug Francis

When we bought our house in Vienna, we were thinking about raising the kids, building an addition, and knowing the neighbors. Today, home buyers are attracted to Vienna because of the sense of community, walkability, and small town lifestyle.

So, what’s next after your 25 years? It’s a conversation many of my clients are having with me as they plan to move to the beach, travel, or get closer to grandkids. Helping them see their future, sell their current home, and move ahead with their updated plan has been an interesting new chapter.

My background: I am an active licensed agent in Virginia, have negotiated hundreds of sales contracts, work at TTR Sotheby’s International Realty in McLean, and still sell homes in all price ranges. I donate to the Town of Vienna tree replacement fund, participate in a neighborhood citizens association, and try my best to stay in shape.

Let’s discuss your moving plans: Email doug@dougfrancis.com or call me at (703) 304-6827 .  Cheers!

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“Doug nailed it! Within days, we had three offers, one of which not only met, but far exceeded all of our goals.”
– R. Pollard

“He truly was a partner integrating us unto the community and made it easy for us to take advantage of all Vienna has to offer.”
– A. D’Eredita

“We are so thankful we found Doug to guide us through the complex home selling and buying processes!”
– Scott and Jennie

About Doug Francis

I am a Realtor with TTR Sotheby's International Realty® just outside Washington D.C. in Northern Virginia. I'm licensed in Virginia with a focus on Vienna, VA real estate since 1991.

That deep knowledge is valuable, especially in today's fast-paced market where advice is critical. Although many of my clients are personally referred, I am available to help you too and am accepting new clients right now.

Feel free to contact me at 703-304-6827 or email me at doug@dougfrancis.com anytime!

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Contact

Doug: (703) 304-6827

TTR Sotheby's International Realty
6723 Whittier Avenue McLean, VA 22101

Office: 703-319-3344
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