🔧 What Can You Actually Negotiate After the Home Inspection?

🤔 The Moment Buyers Get Nervous

The inspection is done…

And suddenly you’re staring at a report thinking:

👉 “Is this bad?”
👉 “What do I even ask for?”

Here’s the truth:

👉 This is one of your biggest opportunities in the entire process.

🧾 First… What the Inspection REALLY Is

The inspection isn’t a pass/fail test.

👉 It’s information.

It tells you:

👉 What’s working
👉 What’s not
👉 What may need attention soon

💡 What You CAN Ask For

After the inspection, buyers typically have a few options:

🔨 1. Repairs

You can ask the seller to:

👉 Fix specific issues before closing

Common examples:

👉 Roof repairs
👉 Plumbing leaks
👉 Electrical fixes

💵 2. Credits

Instead of repairs, you can ask for:

👉 Money back at closing

This lets YOU handle the work after you move in.

💲 3. Price Reduction

In some cases:

👉 You can renegotiate the purchase price

Especially if major issues are found.

🧠 4. Walk Away

Yes… this is still an option.

👉 If the issues are too big
👉 Or the seller won’t negotiate

⚖️ What You SHOULD Focus On

Not everything on the report matters equally.

Focus on:

👉 Safety issues
👉 Major systems (roof, HVAC, plumbing, electrical)
👉 Expensive repairs

🚫 What NOT to Get Stuck On

Every home will have:

👉 Small cosmetic issues
👉 Minor wear and tear

Trying to fix everything?

👉 That’s how deals fall apart.

🧠 The Strategy Most Buyers Miss

It’s not about asking for everything…

👉 It’s about asking for the right things

And presenting it in a way that:

👉 Keeps the deal together

💬 Real Talk

Sellers are more open than you think…

👉 When requests are reasonable and clear

But if it feels like:

👉 A punch list of everything

👉 They may push back.

🚫 The Biggest Mistake Buyers Make

They either:

👉 Ask for nothing (fear)
👉 Or ask for everything (overreach)

🧠 What Smart Buyers Do Instead

They:

👉 Prioritize
👉 Stay strategic
👉 Keep the bigger picture in mind

💬 Final Thought

The inspection isn’t the end of the deal…

👉 It’s a negotiation window.

Handled right?

👉 It protects you AND keeps the deal moving forward.

If you want help deciding what’s worth asking for…

Let’s walk through it together.

Because around here…
👉 It’s ALL figure-out-able.

❓ FAQ: Inspection Negotiations

1. Can I ask for everything to be fixed?

You can… but it’s not always the best strategy.

2. What if the seller says no?

You can renegotiate, accept, or walk away depending on your agreement.

3. Is it better to ask for repairs or credits?

Depends on the situation. Credits often give buyers more control.

4. Can I still back out after the inspection?

Yes, within your inspection timeline.

5. How do I know what’s reasonable?

Focus on safety, major systems, and cost-heavy issues.

Holli Cobb, REALTOR
Real Estate Agent in Redmond, Oregon
Holli Sells Homes | REAL Broker
📧 [email protected]

🌐 HolliSellsHomes.net
📞 541-640-3800