The Smart Way to Handle Home Repair Requests

When you get that home inspection report back, it can feel like the sky is falling. Suddenly, every creaky stair and loose doorknob seems like a big deal. So you might think: "Let’s ask the seller to fix everything and see what we can get."

But here's the thing: asking for everything isn’t always a winning strategy.

Yes, it might give you a few negotiation chips. But it can also overwhelm the seller, derail negotiations, or worse—cause the deal to fall apart entirely. Sellers are more likely to respond well to focused, reasonable requests.

A Better Strategy: Prioritize the Big Stuff

Instead of trying to fix every minor imperfection, focus on the important things:

• Health & safety issues: like mold, faulty wiring, or structural problems

• Major systems: such as the roof, HVAC, water heater, or plumbing

• Lender-required repairs: especially important for FHA or VA loans

Why This Works

Sellers are much more likely to address items that:

• Could cause future damage

• Will affect financing

• Are expensive to fix

This makes your request more reasonable and gives your agent the best chance of negotiating successfully on your behalf.

Other Smart Moves

Not all sellers will want to coordinate repairs before closing. In that case, ask for:

• A repair credit so you can hire your own contractors after closing

• A price reduction to offset the repair costs

Final Thoughts

The inspection phase is a time to protect your investment—not to nitpick. Prioritizing the big stuff helps keep your deal on track and your stress level low.

Not sure what to ask for or how to phrase it? I’m always here to help you navigate the process and protect your future home.