Hi Javy,

One never knows what is behind close walls so I would have to agree with Keith...prepare for the worse. Did you already do a home inspection? If you did then you have nothing to loose by presenting a new offer and contingencies. Good Luck and keep us posted as to how it works out.

Donna Lomenzo
Coldwell Banker Neyland Realty
Middle Island, NY 11953

The first question is if there is a condition report and if the report mentions anything about the water issue. The next question is what type of seller is marketing the property. It the seller is a bank, that might limit the ability to make a offer subject to a inspection. In addition, a inspection is just that and inspection of what can be seen, not what is behind the wall. If you want to test or see something specific then you want to specifically address that in the offer. When you are dealing with investigating issues behind walls be prepared for repair expense and people concerned about liability.

It is nice to know everything, but you need to pay for that information and someetimes the expense is not worth the information. Get your opinion and understand what the worst case situation is and then try to negotiate it or prepared to incur an expense on a property you may not own.


Keith Manson
First Weber Group
Certified Distressed Property Expert
Metro Milwaukee

You can make it subject to inspection or you can do an inspection BEFORE you make an offer. If you have reason to believe their are issues behind the wall, a good Realtor representing YOUR interests, can negotiate what is needed to satisfy your needs.

if someone really wants to sell, they will have no issue with this.

Yes. When you make an offer you can request that the offer be contingent on upon an inspection at the buyer's discretion. You can also request that the seller make repairs prior to moving forward with the contract with a home inspection contingency.

You can make it subject to a home inspection, but I don't think anyone is going to let you open up walls to see what's behind there without some kind of assurance that it will be fixed or money given to repair the damage.

Yes, you can, and most buyers do. I would advise you to move quickly, however. In your area we do not sign contracts until AFTER the inspection, and until contracts are fully executed, the owner can accept a different offer.