Understanding Inspections & Contingencies
Josie Dvorken, DRE #02085290 – Equity Union Real Estate
Buying a home is more than falling in love with a view — it’s about protecting your investment and feeling confident every step of the way. That’s where inspections and contingencies come in. These are the built-in safeguards of your real estate transaction, ensuring that both Buyer and Seller fulfill their responsibilities before the sale becomes final.
What Are Contingencies?
A contingency simply means that a certain condition must be met before the sale can close.
They exist to protect both parties and keep the process fair, transparent, and structured.
The three most common types of contingencies are:
Inspection Contingency – Your purchase depends on the results of a professional home inspection. If issues are found, you can request repairs, negotiate credits, or decide not to move forward.
Loan Contingency – The sale is contingent upon you obtaining financing by a specified date.
Appraisal Contingency – The lender’s appraiser must confirm the property is worth at least the agreed purchase price.
Additional contingencies can also be written into your contract — for example, if a Seller needs to close on their next home first, or if a Buyer must move in by a specific date. I’ll review all applicable contingencies with you and make sure you understand how each affects your timeline and strategy.
The Role of Inspections
Inspections are your opportunity to learn what’s under the hood of your new home — its structure, systems, and surprises. I’ll help you schedule every inspection you choose to conduct, within the agreed timeline and contractual contingencies.
The physical home inspection is the most important and provides a detailed report on accessible areas inside and out. It highlights maintenance issues, safety concerns, and potential repairs, giving you a full understanding of the property’s condition.
Depending on the home’s age and location, we may also schedule:
Termite or pest inspections
Sewer line inspection or septic inspection
Roof or HVAC assessments
Pool or spa inspections (for desert homes with outdoor amenities)
If a specialist’s opinion is needed, your primary inspector will recommend next steps.
Reviewing Results & Negotiating Repairs
Once the reports are in, we’ll sit down and review everything together — calmly and clearly.
If significant issues arise, you may request repairs, credits, or a price adjustment within your contingency period. This is where strategy and communication matter. I’ll help you frame your requests professionally to keep negotiations productive and solutions-focused.
Navigating It with Confidence
Contingencies and inspections are not hurdles — they’re guardrails. They exist to protect your interests and ensure that your new home is as sound as it is beautiful. My role is to guide you through every step, helping you understand each report, make informed decisions, and stay within your contractual timelines.
When everything checks out, contingencies are removed, escrow moves forward, and your new chapter in the desert gets one step closer.
Josie Dvorken explains home inspections and real estate contingencies in California — from physical inspections to loan and appraisal protections — to help Coachella Valley buyers move forward with confidence.
Josie Dvorken is a marketing consultant, creative director, and licensed real estate professional serving the Coachella Valley. With a background in photography and design, she brings an innovative, story-driven approach to real estate marketing. As a Marketing Consultant for The Leiterman Group at Equity Union, she helps shape the team’s brand and community presence. Josie also founded Desert Nesting, a lifestyle magazine that celebrates the people, homes, and neighborhoods that make desert living so distinctive.
Josie Dvorken | DRE#02085290 | Equity Union Real Estate
44-495 Town Center Way, Suite B, Palm Desert, CA 92260
