After the inspection, you generally have three levers: ask the seller to make repairs, request a credit, or negotiate a price reduction. Each has trade-offs, and the right mix depends on the issues, your financing, and the market.
Your three main levers
- Repairs: seller completes specified work before closing.
- Credit: seller credits funds at closing so you handle the work.
- Price reduction: the purchase price drops, lowering your financed amount.
How to decide which to use
- Separate safety/structural items from cosmetic ones.
- Get estimates for the major items.
- For safety issues, lean toward repairs or a clear credit.
- For control and quality, prefer a credit and do the work yourself.
- For a cleaner deal, consider a price reduction.
- Submit a prioritized written request before the deadline.
Pros and cons at a glance
- Repairs: ensures completion, but you don't control quality or timing.
- Credits: flexible, but limited by lender credit caps. Where a number varies, confirm current figures for your transaction.
- Price reduction: simple, but doesn't fund immediate repairs.
This is general information, not legal, tax, or financial advice — consult a licensed professional for your situation.
Keeping the negotiation reasonable
Sellers respond better to focused requests backed by estimates than to long wish lists. Prioritize health, safety, and major systems to keep the deal moving.
If you can't agree
If the seller declines a reasonable request on a serious issue, your inspection contingency may let you cancel and recover your deposit within the window. Where a number varies, confirm current figures for your transaction.
Keeping the deal together
The goal of post-inspection negotiation is a fair resolution that still closes. Prioritize, document, and stay reasonable, and you'll resolve most issues without losing the home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a credit or a repair better?
Credits give you control over the work and timing; repairs ensure safety items are done before close. It depends on the issue.
Can I ask for a price reduction instead of repairs?
Yes. A price reduction lowers your purchase price and loan basis, though it doesn't fund immediate repairs.
Are there limits on seller credits?
Lenders cap how much credit can be applied to closing costs; confirm limits with your lender. Where a number varies, confirm current figures for your transaction.
What if the seller refuses to negotiate?
If a serious issue is involved and your contingency is intact, you may cancel and recover your deposit within the window.
Should I request every item?
No — prioritize safety and major systems; reasonable requests are more likely to succeed.
Do I need estimates to negotiate?
Estimates strengthen your case significantly, especially for big-ticket repairs.
