Up here, inspections are just good business practice, but not required by financiers as a condition of financing. Typically Offers of purchase come with two conditions - full financial approval, and inspection report. Most people get "pre" approved, but the bank wants to know exactly how much money you'll need, full address, age of the house etc... before giving final approval. The inspection report will typically give the buyer 24-48 hours to modify the offer (ie, lower the price because the roof is shot, or whatever; or require the sellers to make repairs) if necessary. When we sold our house, the insurance company of the buyers required an inspection on our fireplace (because it was wood-burning). That's the only time I've heard of a 3rd party requiring something. There are mortgage insurance requirements as well. But until this morning, I'd never heard of a warranty being part of a resell transaction.
Live and learn.
Curious, Snow Dog... how much is the warranty?