What to Ask the Seller to Fix After Inspection
home inspection, repair requests, home buyers, Virginia real estate, negotiating, Arlington VA, buying a home
What Can I Ask the Seller to Fix After the Home Inspection?
Focus on the big items, such as the roof, heating, plumbing, electrical, and water problems, and put your request in writing before your deadline. A seller may fix it, give you a credit, lower the price, or say no.
What repairs can I ask for after an inspection?
Focus on the big items, such as the roof, heating, plumbing, electrical, and water problems, and put your request in writing before your deadline. A seller may fix it, give you a credit, lower the price, or say no.
No home is perfect, and no inspection report is empty. The skill is knowing what to ask for and what to let go.
The Mike Webb Team (Mike and Claudia Webb, RE/MAX Allegiance) helps homeowners in Arlington, Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC get their homes ready to sell and sold.
What does the inspection do?
The inspector looks at the home's condition and writes a report. The Virginia DPOR notice tells buyers to get an inspection and other checks, and your contract sets the time you have to act. Read your deadline the day you sign.
What repairs can I ask for after an inspection?
Focus on the big items, such as the roof, heating, plumbing, electrical, and water problems, and put your request in writing before your deadline. A seller may fix it, give you a credit, lower the price, or say no.
What should I ask for?
Sort the report into three groups:
Big or urgent. A leaking roof, a failing furnace, water in the basement, wiring problems, or a plumbing leak. These are worth a request.
Worth a look. A system near the end of its life, or a repair that could grow. Ask your inspector what it means.
Small stuff. A loose handle, a worn caulk line, a scuffed wall. Most buyers let these go.
A long list of small items can sour a deal. A short list of real items gets taken seriously.
How do I ask?
Through your agent, in writing, before the deadline in your contract. You can ask for:
A repair, done by a licensed pro, with receipts.
A credit at closing, so you handle it after you move in.
A lower price.
A new look from a specialist, such as a roofer or plumber, before you decide.
What can the seller say?
Yes, no, or a counter. The seller does not have to fix anything unless the contract says so. Then you decide whether to accept, ask again, or use your contingency rights to cancel. Talk with us before you do.
What about the seller's side?
If you are selling, a pre-listing look at the home can help you handle problems on your own terms. We include repairs and many prep jobs in the White Glove Home Sale Method at NO Additional Cost.
FAQ
Can I back out because of the inspection?
Your contract may give you that right within a set time. Read the contingency with your agent.
Should I ask for a credit or a repair?
A credit gives you control. A repair gives you a finished job. It depends on the work.
What if the seller says no?
You still choose whether to move forward. We help you weigh it.
Call or text The Mike Webb Team at 703-350-3884 or visit claudiawebb.com.
The Mike Webb Team, RE/MAX Allegiance. Arlington, Virginia. Equal Housing Opportunity.
