Under the Delaware statewide residential sales contract, buyers are responsible for scheduling the pre-settlement property inspection within ______ hours prior to settlement.

In Delaware, the statewide residential sales contract specifies that buyers must schedule the pre-settlement property inspection within 48 hours prior to settlement. This requirement ensures that buyers have a recent evaluation of the property condition before finalizing the purchase. Conducting the inspection within this timeframe allows the buyers to address any significant issues that may arise and ensures that they are fully informed about the property they are acquiring.

This window is crucial not only for the buyer to confirm that the property is in the anticipated condition but also to provide an opportunity for negotiations regarding any necessary repairs or adjustments to the purchase agreement if issues are discovered during the inspection. A shorter timeframe, like 24 hours, may not provide adequate notice for thorough inspection scheduling, and longer periods may lead to delays in the closing process should any issues be found. Therefore, the 48-hour requirement strikes a balance between timely inspection and allowing for any necessary follow-up actions.