Can You Negotiate After a Home Inspection? Yes! Here’s How.
- Scott Sweeney
- 3 minutes ago
- 3 min read
A home inspection is one of the most important steps in the buying process. It gives you a clear picture of the property’s condition and often uncovers issues you wouldn’t notice during a showing. But what happens if problems come up? The good news is, yes, you can negotiate after a home inspection, and here’s how.
1. Understand What the Inspection Reveals
An inspection report will typically highlight safety issues, major system concerns (roof, HVAC, electrical, plumbing), and general maintenance needs. Not every item is worth negotiating. Focus on the repairs or replacements that could affect the home’s value or livability.
2. Decide What to Ask For
After reviewing the report, you have a few negotiation options:
Repairs: Ask the seller to fix certain items before closing.
Credit at Closing: Request a financial credit so you can handle repairs yourself after move-in.
Price Reduction: Negotiate a lower purchase price to offset repair costs.
3. Prioritize the Big Stuff
It’s normal for older homes to have minor issues like worn caulking or squeaky doors. Instead of nitpicking, focus on bigger-ticket items such as:
Roof damage or leaks
Foundation cracks
HVAC or plumbing problems
Electrical hazards
Pest or mold concerns
These are reasonable points of negotiation because they impact the home’s safety and long-term value.
4. Be Willing to Compromise
Remember, sellers aren’t obligated to fix everything. They may agree to some repairs, offer a credit, or stand firm. Your goal is to find a middle ground that keeps the deal moving forward while protecting your investment.
5. Lean on Your Agent’s Expertise
An experienced real estate professional can guide you through the negotiation process, help you prioritize what’s worth pushing for, and ensure your requests are realistic and effective.
Bottom Line
Yes, you can negotiate after a home inspection — and in fact, it’s one of the most common points of negotiation in real estate. By focusing on the most important issues and working with your agent, you can secure a fair deal while moving closer to owning your new home.
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About Scott Sweeney
SweeneySells
Full Time Realtor 13 Years +
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With quickly serving over a 100 families, Scott Sweeney has become a top 5% producing Realtor in the greater Sacramento area who has helped clients from the Bay Area to South Lake Tahoe. Scott has a Bachelor Of Science in Business Administration, with a concentration in Marketing from CSUS. His education, and extensive background in the hospitality, marketing, and real estate industries, have helped Scott to become one of the leading, and most sought after agents in the area.
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