Negotiate After A Home Inspection

Negotiating after a home inspection is one of the most critical moments in a real estate deal. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you do it strategically and effectively:

🛠️ 1. Review the Inspection Report Carefully

Focus on:

• Health & safety hazards (e.g., electrical issues, mold, roof leaks)

• Structural problems

• Major systems (plumbing, HVAC, foundation, roof)

• Code violations

• Cosmetic issues are typically not good grounds for negotiation unless they’re misleading or worse than advertised.

💰 2. Decide What You Want to Ask For

You typically have three main options:

🔧 A. Repairs

Ask the seller to fix certain items before closing.

💵 B. Price Reduction

Request a price drop so you can handle repairs after the sale.

🧾 C. Seller Credit at Closing

Ask the seller to contribute funds toward your closing costs or give a credit to offset repairs.

Tip: A credit is often more attractive to the seller than doing repairs themselves.

✍️ 3. Back Up Your Request

• Provide specific inspection findings (e.g., “HVAC system is original and non-functional”).

• Include contractor estimates for expensive items.

• Keep your tone collaborative, not confrontational.

🗣️ 4. Communicate Through Your Agent

• Your real estate agent will write a repair request addendum or Request for Repairs form.

• Be strategic: Asking for everything may cause the seller to say “no” to everything.

🤝 5. Negotiate the Outcome

Expect a few possible seller responses:

• Agree to everything.

• Agree to some things.

• Offer money instead of repairs.

• Refuse to do anything.

Be ready to counter or walk away if the seller won’t cooperate and the issues are significant.

💡 Tips for a Strong Negotiation