Any prudent buyer will include an inspection contingency in the purchase and sale agreement.  Such a contingency allows the buyer to inspect the property before being bound by the contract. Typically, the buyer's inspector will find several conditions in the home that require some repair (there's no such thing as a perfect home). The buyer will then notify the seller of the identified conditions and either request that seller repair the conditions prior to closing, or alternatively reduce the sale price or offer a credit towards buyer's closing costs. If buyer and seller cannot reach an agreement in regards to a resolution, the buyer has the opportunity to rescind the contract and receive a full refund of the earnest money.