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Rachel signed a contract to purchase a single-family home in Camden County. The contract included a home inspection contingency with a 10-day inspection period. Rachel did not schedule an inspection within the 10-day period and took no action. The seller, Marcus, now claims the inspection contingency has been waived and the contract is firm. Under standard New Jersey contract practice, which statement is most accurate?

Correct Answer

A) Marcus is correct; failure to act within the contingency period generally results in automatic waiver of the contingency.

Under standard New Jersey residential contract practice, if a buyer fails to act within the time period specified in a contingency — such as scheduling and completing a home inspection — the contingency is generally deemed waived by inaction. The inspection contingency places an affirmative obligation on the buyer to act within the specified period. Failure to do so within the deadline typically results in automatic waiver, and the contract proceeds as if the contingency did not exist. This is consistent with general contract law principles and standard NJ contract forms.

Answer Options
A
Marcus is correct; failure to act within the contingency period generally results in automatic waiver of the contingency.
B
Rachel retains the right to inspect because contingencies can only be waived in writing signed by both parties.
C
Rachel may extend the inspection period by notifying the seller's broker within five business days of the deadline.
D
Marcus must formally terminate the contract before the contingency can be considered waived.

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

inspection_contingencywaiverinactionnj_contractscontingency_deadline

Related Concepts

A breach of contract occurs when one party fails to perform their obligations under the contract without a legal excuse. The non-breaching party is entitled to legal remedies including damages, specific performance, or contract rescission.

Consideration is something of value exchanged between parties to a contract, making the agreement legally binding. It can be money, a promise to act, a promise to refrain from acting, or anything else of value.

Contingencies are conditions written into a real estate contract that must be met before the transaction can close. If a contingency is not satisfied, the buyer can typically cancel the contract without penalty.

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