How to Negotiate House Repairs Before Closing a Sale

Buying a house is an exciting milestone, but it can also be daunting, especially when unexpected repairs enter the equation. Home inspections often reveal issues that must be addressed before the sale concludes. Negotiating repairs is critical to ensure you’re getting fair value for the property and avoid costly surprises down the road. But how do you approach this potentially tricky conversation? Here’s a guide to help you negotiate repairs before closing a house sale.

Why Negotiating Repairs is Important

When buying a home, you’re not just investing in the property as it stands today—you’re committing to its upkeep in the coming years. Repairs that aren’t adequately addressed before closing can become significant expenses later. By negotiating repairs, you can:

• Protect Your Investment by ensuring you’re not overpaying for a property that requires significant work.
• Minimize Stress by addressing major issues upfront rather than dealing with them after moving in.
• Strengthen Buyer-Seller Trust by fostering transparency about the home’s condition.

The goal of negotiation isn’t to nitpick minor flaws but to tackle serious problems that could affect the home’s livability, safety, or structural integrity.

Step-by-Step Guide to Negotiating Repairs

1. Start with a Comprehensive Home Inspection

The negotiation begins with a detailed home inspection conducted by a qualified professional. The inspection report will list issues ranging from minor cosmetic flaws to significant structural concerns. Pay close attention to:

• Roof and foundation issues
• Plumbing and electrical systems
• HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) performance
• Signs of mold, pests, or water damage
• Safety concerns like faulty wiring or hazardous materials

These findings are the evidence you’ll need during negotiations, so ensure the report is thorough and well-documented.

2. Prioritize Major Repairs Over Minor Fixes

Not every issue revealed in the inspection needs to be addressed before closing. Focus on negotiating repairs for significant concerns that could affect the property’s safety, structural integrity, or functionality. Examples include:

• Leaks in the roof
• Cracked foundations
• Faulty or outdated electrical wiring
• Plumbing problems like burst pipes or failing water heaters

Cosmetic issues, like chipped paint or scratched flooring, are generally not worth negotiating over unless they are part of a broader problem. Prioritize wisely.

3. Get Multiple Repair Estimates

Once you’ve identified the repairs that need addressing, obtain estimates from licensed contractors to determine the cost of fixing the issues. Multiple quotes strengthen your position during negotiations, offering concrete data you can present to the seller.

For example, if the inspection reveals roof damage and you obtain a contractor’s estimate of $10,000 for repairs, this figure gives you a reasonable baseline for your ask.

4. Decide on Your Preferred Resolution

Sellers may offer various responses to your repair requests, so knowing your preferences is helpful. Common solutions include:

• The Seller Makes Repairs: The seller hires contractors to fix the issues before closing.
• Repair Credits or Price Reductions: The seller agrees to reduce the sale price or provide a credit at closing to cover the cost of repairs.
• Split the Costs: Both parties agree to share the cost of repairs.

Each option has pros and cons, so assess your comfort level. For instance, a repair credit might work better than waiting for the seller to complete the work if you’re in a hurry to close.

5. Communicate Clearly with the Seller

Approach negotiations calmly and professionally. Rather than emotions, focus on presenting facts (inspection reports and repair estimates). Here’s an example of what you could say:

“We’ve reviewed the inspection and obtained a contractor’s estimate for the roof repair, which totals $10,000. We’d like to request a $10,000 reduction in the sale price to cover this cost.”

Being polite but direct will help you reach a resolution faster.

6. Know When to Compromise

While standing your ground on significant repairs is essential, selling or buying a house is often emotional. The seller may not agree to every request, especially if they’ve adjusted the price after the inspection report. Be prepared to compromise on less critical items to keep the deal on track.

Consider what’s most important to you and aim for a solution that benefits both parties.

7. Get Everything in Writing

Once you and the seller come to an agreement, ensure all repairs or financial concessions are documented in writing.

Call Trent

Negotiating house repairs before closing is a vital step to ensuring the property you’re buying meets your expectations. By following these steps—backed with evidence and clear communication—you can reach an agreement that safeguards your investment while maintaining a positive relationship with the seller.

Feeling overwhelmed by the process? Don’t worry—I am here to help. Give me a call, and I will be happy to help you with the purchase of your home and walk you through the home-buying process. Trent Beaver (928) 916-1921