FAR-9 Inspection Related Changes - Since the last Inspection Question was published, there has been a significant change in the real estate purchase transaction process: The NEW FAR-9 Contract. This new Purchase Agreement has several significant changes that directly relate to the inspection process. I have been fortunate to have been involved in ECAR's Jump Start program, and have made several presentations to local Real Estate offices about recent contract implications; but I feel most Agents are not aware of the implications of the new FAR-9.

To help educate and reinforce the changes, I will use the next series of Inspection Questions to highlight the significant changes that directly affect the inspection process of the real estate transaction.

As this is the first question in this series, we'll start on the first page of the new contract.

True or False? Clothes washing machines and clothes dryers are now considered to be major appliances that, by default, convey to the Buyer with the sale of the real estate

TRUE - The FAR-9 specifically lists clothes washers and dryers on Line 9 of the contract as "major appliances" which convey with the sale. I have not yet heard of an instance where the Listing Agent had to replace a set of these appliances because the Seller took them when they moved out, but I am sure it will happen. Of course, Line 17 of the contract states that the personal property items listed "has no contributory value and is being left for the Seller's convenience." So the actual value of the appliances, would be $0.00.

Most of the responses to the Inspection Question got this answer correct, but about 10% were wrong, so I encourage those who answered incorrectly to brush up on the new FAR-9, and try again on the current Inspection Question.

One note about which I wish to be clear - these contractual changes are for the FAR contract; I have not seen a copy of the latest FAR-BAR contract, but if someone would email me a copy, I'd like to review that document. Thanks

Ray DiTirro of RE/MAX Southern Realty