Humber/Ontario Real Estate Course 4 Exam Practice

When should a home inspection be carried out in the purchase process?

1. After the buyer signs a representation agreement.

2. Before the final sale agreement is signed.

3. Within the first 30 days after closing.

4. When the seller requests it.

5. Immediately after the initial viewing.

The correct answer is: Before the final sale agreement is signed.

The correct timing for a home inspection in the purchasing process is before the final sale agreement is signed. Conducting the inspection prior to finalizing the sale allows buyers to thoroughly evaluate the condition of the home and identify any potential issues that may affect their decision to proceed with the purchase. This proactive step can lead to negotiations regarding repairs or price adjustments based on the findings of the inspection. Performing the inspection after assigning the representation agreement or immediately after the initial viewing may not provide enough insight into the home's condition to inform the buyer's final decision. If a buyer waits until after closing to conduct an inspection, they would incur the risk of being responsible for any undiscovered issues, effectively losing out on critical leverage that could have been utilized during negotiations. An inspection based solely on the seller's request does not align with the interests of the buyer and should not dictate the timing of such an important component of the buying process.