What Is Due Diligence In Real Estate?

What is Due Diligence in Real Estate?

Due diligence is an integral part of the real estate process in which buyers and sellers ensure that they make an informed decision in their property purchase or sale. When done correctly, due diligence protects buyers and sellers from unwanted consequences like lawsuits, expensive repairs, and more. It protects all parties from unwanted consequences related to not checking the property physically and clerically. Sellers can have peace of mind that the property is sold without any legal risks, while buyers can make informed decisions about their home purchase. To have optimal guidance during the due diligence period and throughout the home buying and selling process, work with a Marketplace Homes real estate agent!

Specifically, due diligence is the period of time that occurs between when an offer is accepted offer and the closing day. It is when the buyer needs time to:

• Get an appraisal to ensure a fair price.
• Get a title search, which will find any taxes, liens, judgments, and bankruptcies that are associated with the property.
• Conduct property inspections that may include:
• Home inspection
• Radon gas inspection
• Termite inspection
• Well / septic inspection
• Any other inspection/property survey that’s relevant to buying real property.

Proper due diligence involves careful research, thorough home inspections, and accurate assessments. What else should you know about due diligence as it relates to real estate?

What happens during the due diligence period?

During the due diligence time, buyers must find out of there are any issues with the property. It’s valuable for everyone from first-time homebuyers to seasoned real estate investors. On the contract, there will be a limited time to hire a home inspector and other specialized inspectors. If these pros identify flaws, your realtor can address them and negotiate repairs or enable you to back out without penalties.

For example, if the house was built before 1978, there is a strong chance that it can have lead-based paint. Inspecting for hazards like this can help a buyer negotiate repairs or a reduction in the purchase price. During this time, the title company also does a title search to find any liens or debts associated with the property. Buyers can also learn if there are any issues with zoning, covenants, and potential barriers to getting homeowner’s insurance.

Sellers also need to ensure that the house is clear to close without legal issues. They must order resale documents if the home is in a homeowner’s association and make it available for inspection. Needless to say, a seller’s due diligence checklist is shorter than the buyer’s. Much of the burden is on the buyer and the buyer’s agent.

How Long Is the Due Diligence Period?

The due diligence period is typically 30 days long. Once all parties sign the real estate contract, the countdown starts to closing day. During this time, much of the burden is on the buyer to make sure that the house is good.

It’s vital to check the physical condition of the property so that you’re not stuck with a purchase you regret. This time frame is more than enough for you to acquire proper title insurance, conduct a series of inspections, find a suitable home insurance company, and investigate the property thoroughly.

Why do buyers need due diligence?

Buyers obtain essential data from inspections done during the due diligence period. With this information, you can request that the seller fix problems before closing, or you can walk away from the deal without losing your earnest money deposit in escrow.

You can also test basements for radon gas, check for termites, defective drywall, and the status of the home’s well and septic system. These property inspections protect buyers against buying a money pit. They can also discover other risks, like whether the house is in a flood zone.

Why do sellers need due diligence?

In this period of time, sellers must do two main things. First, they must honor the real estate contract and ensure the buyer’s inspectors can access the property. Secondly, the seller must verify that all records related to their property are accurate and up to date.

This helps them avoid any obstacles to closing. If applicable, they must prepare all legally required disclosures like homeowner’s association (HOA) documentation and anything else needed to transfer ownership to the buyer legally. This stage protects sellers against lawsuits for not disclosing information before the sale.

How long does this stage last?

Since the due diligence period begins when the contract is ratified and ends on the contracted closing date, it can last between 14 and 60 days. If the transaction depends on financing, it will last longer than a cash deal that doesn’t need to wait for a lender’s approval. The typical purchase contract for a residential home can be around 30 days, while a commercial real estate contract may have a longer due diligence period.

Why do buyers need due diligence when they already have a real estate agent?

A buyer’s agent can be a great advocate in negotiations, but they need to know the house’s flaws or potential pitfalls first. Due diligence inspections give your realtor the information they need to speak up for you and work out the repairs and contract terms. Checking the house is invaluable for real estate investors, first-time homebuyers, and anyone who wants to walk into a situation with full awareness of what they’re buying.

Can You Skip Due Diligence?

Yes, it’s possible to waive inspections and buy your house as-is or not to be thorough about the house’s title and liens. But skipping this process for your new home can result in potential legal and financial trouble, including:

• Major, costly flaws with the house
• Title defects
• Environmental hazards
• Inaccurate financial data

Moreover, if the buyer doesn’t conduct inspections within the limited due diligence period, they can lose the property altogether.

What Does Due Diligence Do?

Going through the due diligence process protects the buyer to ensure they are getting a good investment. The due diligence period is also crucial for mortgage lenders to determine whether they will approve the loan or if the property is too risky. Likewise, homeowners insurance companies assess their risk. Meanwhile, the title company runs a title report and ensures no defects or claims against its ownership.

It’s a common step in real estate transactions so buyers can legally back out of a transaction that turns out to be a bad deal. For example, if the home inspector notices termite or mold damage, the buyer can move forward with the purchase contract or back out without any penalties (if the contract says so).

While earnest money deposits protect sellers, the real estate due diligence period protects buyers. It’s a practice that ensures that first-time buyers, real estate investors, and anyone else buying real property can make an informed decision.

What If You Pay Cash in a Home Purchase?

If you decide to skip using a lender and pay cash up front, you still have some time between ratification day and closing. Even if you don’t have a lender that may require a home inspection, you may still want to take a closer look at the property. You must still go through the title search and all formal avenues to legally buy the house, though.

The real estate agents at Marketplace Homes strongly advise that before you buy a property, at least check how its significant systems are running. HVAC systems are part of the typical home inspection, and a $400 check of the entire house can spot potential defects and other dangers such as asbestos, lead-based paint, termite damage, and more.

Though paying cash can get you out of loan origination fees and interest payments, “invisible” hazards like being in a flood zone (hack: check out FEMA’s flood map here) can blindside you. It’s also wise to check out the area’s crime rates and amenities to ensure that your investment is sound.

Know What Is Due Diligence: A Vital Part of The Buying Process

Now that we know what due diligence means, you can buy a new home with more confidence. If you have any questions about investment terms or other real estate needs, our realtors will gladly answer your inquiries. We are ready to help you with investment acquisitions, dispositions, buying new construction homes, or simply finding the single-family home of your dreams.