Is it common to pay a seller for a home inspection contingency?

[Melvin Brown]

I was told I needed to pay $100.00 (non refundable) directly to the seller in order to cancel the sale or renegotiate if the inspection reveals a major problem with the property. I also put in the contract that I would not try to renegotiate over minor issues such as carpet replacement or cosmetic issues.

Thanks in advance,

[Greg H.]

It is absolutely common practice in Texas !  While not the case in other states, it is the norm here.  Commonly called the Option Period.  Standard provision in the TREC (Texas Real Estate Commission) contract

The buyer pays $xxxx for the right to terminate the contract for any reason within xx days