Can I Negotiate After a Home Inspection?
A common question first-time home buyers ask me is, “Can I renegotiate after a home inspection?” Long story short, the answer is, “Yes!” Before I share 4 ways to negotiate after a home inspection, we need to first talk about what a home inspection is. A home inspection is a non-invasive examination of a property conducted by a licensed home inspector. Typically included as a condition in residential purchase contracts, home inspections benefit the buyer by providing a thorough evaluation of the property’s condition before the home is sold.
It’s very common for home inspections to reveal unknown issues, so if you’re currently buying or are planning to buy a home, here are 4 strategies to negotiate after a home inspection.
4 Ways to Negotiate After a Home Inspection
REQUEST REPAIRS
Often, the simplest way to resolve issues is to ask the seller to make repairs. Work with your REALTOR® to review the inspection report, then request specific repairs that prioritize safety, health, and essential systems like plumbing or electrical. If a complex issue arises, consider asking the seller to hire a professional for the remediation and to provide a receipt for the work to your agent or lawyer. This ensures the problem is handled correctly before you take possession.
RENEGOTIATE PRICE
If the seller is unwilling or unable to handle repairs, consider renegotiating the purchase price. This strategy is helpful if you want control over the repairs or upgrades. For larger issues, you might need professional repair quotes to support your negotiation.
REQUEST A CREDIT AT CLOSING
For minor damages (like a broken microwave), you could request a specific dollar credit at closing, which will be given to you via your lawyer. This is useful for issues needing customization (like choosing a particular appliance) or when there isn’t enough time for the seller to complete repairs. Both parties must agree to add credits as a term in the purchase contract, and it’s wise to check with your lender to ensure they’re okay with it.
ASK FOR MORE TIME
Sometimes, inspections reveal potential issues that need further evaluation. If more time is necessary to understand the scope of repairs or gather additional quotes, consider requesting an extension of the inspection condition to allow for more assessments and decision-making.
Things to Remember...
When buying a resale home, it’s important to remember that the property has been lived in and will likely need some repairs. Even new homes can reveal unexpected surprises during inspections. Focus on significant issues over minor cosmetic ones when negotiating.
I once had a buyer who made an offer on a home needing a new roof, estimated at around $30,000. When the inspection confirmed the roof issue, the buyer wanted a $30,000 reduction—even though the roof’s condition had been factored into the initial negotiation.
While negotiating after an inspection is possible, remember that inspections are mainly to help buyers identify unknown issues—not to renegotiate disclosed defects. Finally, if the seller won’t renegotiate, talk with your REALTOR® to determine if it’s time to walk away and continue your search.
At the end of the day, inspections are invaluable for helping buyers feel confident in a property’s condition, protecting them from unexpected issues, and offering a chance to negotiate after an inspection and before the sale is complete.
Got Questions?
Ready to navigate your next home inspection with confidence? Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned homeowner, understanding how to protect your investment is key. If you’re thinking of making a move and have questions about the home buying/selling process, let’s chat! Call/text us today, and let’s ensure your next home purchase is a smart, secure investment.
