When you buy a home, you’re going to hire a home inspector to have a look at it and make sure everything is up to snuff.
So what happens if there are issues you want the seller to fix before you sign the dotted line?
Buyers: How to Negotiate Repairs After an Inspection
First things first. Your Realtor(R) will probably advise you to pick your battles if you really want the home. You don’t want to ask the seller to tackle every issue in the home, because that can be overwhelming… and it can be a deal-killer. For example, don’t ask the seller to replace the closet door pull because the finish is chipping off or make other minor cosmetic changes that you could do yourself – especially if there are bigger issues on the line.
Decide which repairs need to be made and which you can make yourself after you own the home.
Issues you really should ask the seller to fix include things like water penetration issues, like moldy walls, as well as any local code safety violations (like missing handrails or wobbly, unstable decks).
You can request that the seller repair or replace things like old, ungrounded electrical wiring, the roof, leaky pipes or the HVAC system, but the seller isn’t under any obligation to do so.
If you do ask the seller to make repairs, provide research and proof (which you’ll get from the home inspector) so he or she understands where you’re coming from.
What About a Repair Credit?
Rather than asking the seller to make all these repairs, you might choose to ask for a repair credit. A repair credit might be the right choice because it allows you to choose the contractor who performs the work – the seller doesn’t have much at stake, because he or she is moving out.
Are You Selling or Buying a Home for Sale in Lake City?
If you’re selling a home in Lake City, we’re the local experts. We know how to market your home aggressively and bring in qualified buyers, and we’d love to help you sell quickly and at the right price.
If you’re moving to Lake City, we can help you find the perfect place to live. Call us at 386-243-0124 to tell us what you want from your home and we will begin searching right away.
In the meantime, check out the most popular Lake City home searches by exploring the links below.
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