Community Forums

Gigtime · 03-06-2019, 06:10 PM

Hi everyone,

I'm in Austin, TX and have found an RV inspector with decent reviews. The local inspector needs about five hours with the MH and wants it fully hooked up to do the inspection.

How does this work in practice if you setup an inspection and another buyer comes along and the seller doesn't want to wait? Do inspectors usually require a deposit?

The inspector I found locally had a sample inspection on his site. It was 70 pages long with photos, etc. Very detailed but no indication of what a particular issue might cost to repair. I can see where you could ask the dealer to fix the problem but if you're dealing with a private seller, how do you use that as a negotiation tool? Do you work out an agreement to take it to a shop for an estimate?

I'm concerned that I could end up paying for an inspection and another buyer comes along while you're negotiating that doesn't do an inspection and you're out $500-700.

If you got a PPI, I'd love to hear about your experience.

Bill

oscarvan · 03-06-2019, 07:58 PM

Risk management. Be out $500 or be out an expensive repair.

You could draw up a sales agreement subject to inspection where you stipulate that MAJOR repairs, defined as in excess of $XX, totaling more than $XX will let you out of your agreement unless seller agrees to reduce agreed price by the same amount.

This is what's common in real estate, the concept carries over.

I would also stipulate that the seller can fix BEFORE closing, subject to verification by inspector. If you let him fix AFTER you will lose control over time frame and quality of repair. (In other words, they'll take for ever and do a crappy job)

Or you can make your best deal and take the risk yourself.

Gigtime · 03-06-2019, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oscarvan

Risk management. Be out $500 or be out an expensive repair.

Thank you, Oscarvan, and I completely agree that the inspection is worth it for peace of mind or avoiding expensive repairs. I just want to avoid paying for an inspection and having the vehicle sold out from under me.

Your real estate example sounds good and I've done that when buying and selling homes. I think everyone expects that in a real estate deal but I don't know what's common when buying RV's.

I'll ask the inspector, too, but know there's a wealth of experience on these boards.

Bill

chunker · 03-07-2019, 06:17 AM

Perhaps an agreement with the seller that during the time the RV is being inspected the RV will be "off the market" and that you have maybe a couple hours to absorb the inspection results to make a decision. If you know and trust the seller then a hand shake, otherwise a written agreement to that effect. In my case when selling a vehicle and someone is definitely coming over I have told other contacts that it potentially is sold and I would let them know the results of that potential sale. In one case had someone offer more $$$ if I would sell it to them instead but I declined. My word is my honor and worth something.

Finance · 03-07-2019, 06:43 AM

Just like a house. You make a written offer to purchase contingent on a satisfactory inspection. Terms exclude seller from accepting any other purchase offer unless you reject based on the inspection, or fail to obtain funding (if you're financing). Including deadlines for inspection and closing dates so everyone knows the calendar.

Gary RVRoamer · 03-07-2019, 08:20 AM

You need a contingency agreement with the seller, i.e. I will buy it for $x IF the independent inspection is satisfactory. Expect to pay a deposit to the seller, though you can negotiate for a refundable deposit if the inspection is too negative.

One of the difficulties is "what constitutes a negative inspection?" for the purpose of the sale contract. It's used, so not expected to be perfect.

marjoa · 03-07-2019, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gigtime

I just want to avoid paying for an inspection and having the vehicle sold out from under me.

That's not going to happen. Why you ask? Well it's pretty much like buying a house.

BEFORE you order an inspection you've already agreed in writing that you're interested in the unit, you've put a deposit on the coach to hold it (call it earnst money if you want to) and you've drawn up a contract. The contract basically says, I'm interested in this coach, here's my deposit to prove my intent, however me buying this coach is contingent upon the inspection. It's just like buying a house.
After inspection if anything comes up you can either:
1) Shut up and fix items yourself because you're already getting a good deal or possibly negotiate a better price in lieu of repairs
2) Ask the seller to fix it outright or maybe you two split the cost
3) Walk away and get your deposit back

That's why you thoroughly go over this coach yourself very carefully first—without an inspector—to see if this baby really does look good enough to move forward with a deposit and ordering an inspection. 70pgs. & pics is standard. Cost of repairs is impossible to itemize, but if you ask him he might give you an idea of the cost. I highly recommend paying additional to get lab work on fluids. Engine oil, coolant and ATF. Generator oil. Lab work takes a couple of extra days for results and a little more money.

Gigtime · 03-07-2019, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drwwicks

In my case when selling a vehicle and someone is definitely coming over I have told other contacts that it potentially is sold and I would let them know the results of that potential sale. In one case had someone offer more $$$ if I would sell it to them instead but I declined. My word is my honor and worth something.

Good to know people like you are out there. Thanks for the advice.

Gigtime · 03-07-2019, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Finance

Just like a house. You make a written offer to purchase contingent on a satisfactory inspection. Terms exclude seller from accepting any other purchase offer unless you reject based on the inspection, or fail to obtain funding (if you're financing). Including deadlines for inspection and closing dates so everyone knows the calendar.

Sounds good. I'll be paying cash. Appreciate the reply.

Gigtime · 03-07-2019, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary RVRoamer

You need a contingency agreement with the seller, i.e. I will buy it for $x IF the independent inspection is satisfactory. Expect to pay a deposit to the seller, though you can negotiate for a refundable deposit if the inspection is too negative.

One of the difficulties is "what constitutes a negative inspection?" for the purpose of the sale contract. It's used, so not expected to be perfect.

Good points, Gary. Any ideas regarding the amount of the deposit?

Gigtime · 03-07-2019, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marjoa

That's not going to happen. Why you ask? Well it's pretty much like buying a house.

BEFORE you order an inspection you've already agreed in writing that you're interested in the unit, you've put a deposit on the coach to hold it (call it earnst money if you want to) and you've drawn up a contract. The contract basically says, I'm interested in this coach, here's my deposit to prove my intent, however me buying this coach is contingent upon the inspection. It's just like buying a house.
After inspection if anything comes up you can either:
1) Shut up and fix items yourself because you're already getting a good deal or possibly negotiate a better price in lieu of repairs
2) Ask the seller to fix it outright or maybe you two split the cost
3) Walk away and get your deposit back

That's why you thoroughly go over this coach yourself very carefully first—without an inspector—to see if this baby really does look good enough to move forward with a deposit and ordering an inspection. 70pgs. & pics is standard. Cost of repairs is impossible to itemize, but if you ask him he might give you an idea of the cost. I highly recommend paying additional to get lab work on fluids. Engine oil, coolant and ATF. Generator oil. Lab work takes a couple of extra days for results and a little more money.

Thanks, Marjoa. The inspector offers fluid testing and I definitely plan to do that. Hopefully the inspector can help with costs. On some of the issues I saw on his sample report, I'd have no idea at all what they'd cost to fix.

TonyMac · 03-07-2019, 11:27 AM

I look at it from the sellers point of view. Yes, if you are wasting my time, and someone comes along with cash, deal is done. That guy can probably do his own inspection and know better what he's getting into. He was better prepared so he won. You want me to hold it and turn away cash buyers? For what, the chance you may try to beat down the price and then not buy it? Gimme a break.

chunker · 03-07-2019, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TonyMac

I look at it from the sellers point of view. Yes, if you are wasting my time, and someone comes along with cash, deal is done. That guy can probably do his own inspection and know better what he's getting into. He was better prepared so he won. You want me to hold it and turn away cash buyers? For what, the chance you may try to beat down the price and then not buy it? Gimme a break.

If I encountered that attitude from a seller it would be a red flag that maybe something is being hidden. If a seller isn't willing to hold a motorhome while an inspection is being performed, as a buyer I would go somewhere else. We're not talking hold it for a couple weeks while an inspection is scheduled and such, at least I wouldn't think the OP is asking for that.

TonyMac · 03-07-2019, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drwwicks

If I encountered that attitude from a seller it would be a red flag that maybe something is being hidden. If a seller isn't willing to hold a motorhome while an inspection is being performed, as a buyer I would go somewhere else. We're not talking hold it for a couple weeks while an inspection is scheduled and such, at least I wouldn't think the OP is asking for that.

Sure, go get your inspector and then come have a look. But if someone comes along and offers an acceptable deal, why should the seller turn it down? Because you MIGHT buy it? Only a fool would do that witout significant earnest money. Go look elsewhere. As a seller, especially with a buyer in hand, I could not possibly care less what you do. I got my money, a happy buyer has this motorhome, and that's what this sale is all about. If you're my cousin, maybe, but doubtful. This is business. Get your ducks together on your own time. Be ready to pounce. Or you lose. It's business.