Short Answer
Focus your negotiation on safety issues, structural defects, and major system failures. Get repair estimates from contractors for the most significant items. Submit a formal repair request to the seller with a reasonable deadline. You can ask for repairs to be completed, a credit at closing, or a reduced purchase price. Be prepared to compromise on minor items. Your agent will guide you on what is reasonable to request based on the home's age, price, and market conditions.
Negotiating after an inspection requires strategy. Start by getting quotes from contractors for the major repairs. This gives you leverage and shows the seller you are serious. Prioritize your requests. Safety issues like faulty wiring, gas leaks, or loose railings are non-negotiable. Structural problems like foundation cracks or roof leaks are major concerns. System failures like an HVAC unit that does not work should be addressed. Minor items like a dripping faucet or a cracked tile are typically not worth pressing. Your agent will submit a formal request to the seller. The seller can agree to fix everything, offer a credit so you can handle the repairs yourself, counter with a partial solution, or refuse. In a seller's market, you may need to be more flexible. In a buyer's market, sellers are more likely to accommodate requests. The key is knowing what matters most and being willing to compromise on the rest.
Bob's Advice
Redfin Senior Agent · AI Certified Agent
I have been through hundreds of inspection negotiations, and the key is knowing what to ask for and what to let go. I will help you get repair estimates, prioritize your requests, and craft a negotiation strategy. If the seller refuses reasonable requests, I will advise you on whether to walk away or accept the home as-is. The inspection report is a tool for making an informed decision, not a weapon to beat the seller down. Let us approach it with professionalism and a clear goal of getting you into a safe, sound home.
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