Inspection FAQs

Yes, buyers in Florida can back out of a real estate contract during the inspection period for any reason at all. Under the standard AS IS contract used across South Florida, Paragraph 12 gives buyers "sole discretion" to cancel and receive their full deposit back. Most inspection periods run between 7 and 14 days. However, once that window closes, your options shrink fast, and...

Find and fix the root cause first. A musty smell almost always traces back to moisture. Common sources include hidden water leaks, mold behind drywall, HVAC condensation, or furniture saturated by years of Florida humidity. Once the source is eliminated, an ozone treatment neutralizes whatever odor lingers in the walls, carpet, and soft...

You have two structural choices and two timing choices. You can lower your offer price or ask for a credit at closing, and both net the same. A credit puts cash in your pocket and does not show as a price cut on public records. You can also negotiate the roof up front or wait for the inspection, where sellers often concede more to save the deal. The strongest leverage comes from...

It depends on the property, the era it was built, the quality of the work, and what you plan to do with the home after purchase. A garage finished as living space on a 1960s home with no available records is a completely different situation than a recent renovation that intentionally skipped the building...

Metal roofing offers the best combination of durability and long-term value for South Florida homeowners. A properly installed metal roof can last 50 to 80 years, withstand hurricane-force winds above 150 mph, and reduce cooling costs by 15% to 25% compared to asphalt shingles. However, the upfront investment runs $14,000 to $28,000 on a 2,000-square-foot home. For buyers who...