How to Negotiate Repairs After a Home Inspection

Once the inspection report lands in your inbox, things suddenly feel very real. Even well-maintained homes show a long list of findings, and buyers often struggle to decide what’s worth negotiating. The goal isn’t to walk away with a perfect home. The goal is to address issues that affect safety, major systems, and long-term costs.

Start by reviewing the report with your agent and sorting items into three categories: critical, important, and cosmetic. Critical issues involve anything that affects safety or habitability, such as faulty wiring, plumbing leaks, roof damage, HVAC deficiencies, or structural concerns. In Central Florida, roof lifespan and HVAC performance matter even more because of heat, humidity, and insurance requirements. These items typically create the strongest basis for repair requests or credits.

Important items are issues that don’t endanger safety but do affect the function or expected lifespan of a system. Examples include older water heaters, deteriorating exterior paint, or minor plumbing issues. These can be negotiated depending on the market, the seller’s motivation, and how the rest of the deal is structured.

Cosmetic issues rarely gain traction. Paint, worn carpet, outdated fixtures, or minor cosmetic imperfections are almost never part of a repair negotiation. It’s better to focus your efforts on problems that materially impact your ownership costs.

From here, decide whether you want repairs completed before closing or a financial concession. Credits often create a cleaner path because you choose your own contractors and ensure the work is done correctly. If repairs are performed before closing, always request receipts and confirmation from licensed professionals. Click Here to find out what you should do during a final walkthrough. Florida insurance companies frequently require updated documentation for roof work, water heaters, and electrical or plumbing modifications, so proper paperwork matters.

When presenting your repair requests, use supporting excerpts or photos from the inspection report. It signals that you’re being reasonable, not attempting to renegotiate the entire deal. Keep the list focused. A long list of small items can frustrate a seller and reduce your negotiating leverage.

Finally, approach the conversation with a problem-solving mindset. Sellers don’t want the deal to collapse, and neither do you. When both sides stay grounded in what’s fair and well-documented, repair negotiations move smoothly.

Bottom Line
Well-planned repair negotiations protect your investment without derailing the transaction. Focus on meaningful issues, support your requests with the inspection report, and understand when repairs or credits benefit you most.

Need help reviewing an inspection report or crafting a repair strategy that protects you financially? Contact me. I’ll help you identify what truly matters and negotiate with clarity and confidence.