The house is perfect. You have put forward the offer. Things are going great until the buyer’s home inspection report lands in your inbox. All of a sudden, the perfect house looks in need of a repair job. Now comes a critical phase in the homebuying journey: figuring out how to negotiate repairs after the home inspection.
Don’t worry; this does not have to be a stressful part. When you have the right strategy, you can complete the necessary repairs while keeping the deal alive. Let us guide you step-by-step on how to handle this stage smartly and smoothly.
The Purpose of the Buyer Home Inspection
A buyer home inspection is your chance to understand exactly what you’re buying. Home inspectors typically find an average of 31 problems in a single home, but most of these issues are minor. Nonetheless, minor issues can accumulate and lead to bigger problems.
A standard home inspection will cover the following:
- Roof and attic.
- Plumbing and electrical systems.
- Foundation and structure.
- Heating and cooling system.
- Windows, doors, and appliances.
Now, after you have a report in hand, the moment to pay close attention to what is important and how to negotiate the repairs arrives.
Step 1: Learn What’s Worth Negotiating
Not everything mentioned in the inspection report has to be repaired. Some are cosmetic or common in older houses. Focus on:
- Threats to personal safety (such as bad wiring or mold).
- Structural issues.
- Leaks in plumbing systems or roofs.
- HVAC issues.
- Code violations.
This step can be compared to inspecting the engine of a used car. No problem with a door scratch. But you cannot ignore a bad transmission.
Step 2: Understand Your Options to Negotiate Repairs After Home Inspection
After prioritizing the issues, you have several options to present to the seller:
- Insist on having the problems corrected by the seller before the sale is finalized.
- Ask them for a discount.
- A request for a credit repair at the closing is also an option.
- Split the repair cost with the seller.
- Cancel the deal when the problems are big and non-negotiable.
Each option has its pros and cons. When you ask for credit, you can hire a contractor of your own liking, which gives you more control. Splitting the repair cost is also a good option if you are very fond of the house. You can choose the most suitable option based on your circumstances.
Step 3: Talk Strategically with the Seller
When it’s time to negotiate repairs after a home inspection, don’t come in swinging. It’s not about insisting that everything should be done perfectly. It is a matter of reaching a compromise that is mutually acceptable.
Here are some pointers to remember in this regard:
- Remain civil; do not be emotional. Emphasize facts.
- Share a complete inspection report with the seller to strengthen your position.
- Focus on costly issues.
- Obtain repair estimates to bolster your negotiation.
This is a business deal. You are not putting in requests; you are trying to reach an agreement with the seller.
Step 4: Don’t Skip the Documentation
Put everything in black and white. In case the seller is going to do repairs prior to closing, check the following:
- Licensed professionals carry out the repair process.
- The permits and the receipts are shared.
- There is a final walkthrough to ensure that the work is completed.
Failure to take this step may result in some embarrassing after-surprises, such as the discovery that new plumbing turned out to be duct tape and wishful thinking.
Step 5: Learn When to Push and When to Let Go
While it’s important to negotiate repairs after a home inspection, don’t let minor issues kill a great deal.
Ask yourself:
- Does this matter break a deal?
- Is it something that can be done later by me?
- Is it wise to lose a house because of a $300 repair?
It’s important to keep in mind that no house is perfect; even new ones may have issues. Your goal is to secure your investment and not to achieve perfection.
Bonus Tips for Negotiations
Here are some quick tips to help you negotiate repairs after a home inspection.
- Stay calm. This is just a simple affair of buying a house, not the end of the world.
- Negotiate under the direction of a smart and respected real estate agent.
- Understand your deal breakers.
- Do your homework regarding quotes, codes, and timelines.
- You should be willing to make a compromise.
When both parties feel like they are in a win-win situation, then it is a successful negotiation.
Conclusion
Learning how to negotiate repairs after a home inspection is an essential skill for any homebuyer. Not only does it save money, but it also helps to prevent headaches in the future.
Using a respectful approach to negotiations, addressing major issues, and documenting information in an easily understandable manner will make the stressful moments a smart decision.
Here at Top to Bottom Services, we understand the importance of providing clarity to home buyers during the inspection process. If you need a full-service home inspection or a consultation on repairs for the identified issues, we are here to help you negotiate confidently and wisely.
