Your Response Options

• Agree to repair: You complete repairs using your own contractor before closing. Advantage: cost control. Risk: quality control and timeline make sure repairs are completed properly and with appropriate documentation.

• Provide a credit at closing: Agree to a reduction in the sale price or a closing cost credit for a negotiated amount. Advantage: avoids the hassle of managing repairs. Ensure the credit amount is reasonable relative to actual repair costs.

• Decline and hold firm: If you priced the home to reflect its condition, or if the items are minor, you may decline. In a seller's market, some sellers hold firm. But be prepared for the buyer to walk if the items are significant.

• Counter-offer: Offer to address the most material items while declining or reducing credit for minor ones. This is the most common and productive approach.

Negotiating After Inspection: Best Practices

Respond to inspection requests promptly, delay means uncertainty, and give the buyer time to develop cold feet. Prioritize resolution of genuine safety and structural items, and push back on cosmetic or minor items that were visible to any buyer who toured the home. Keep the big picture in mind: the goal is to close the transaction, not to win every line item in the inspection negotiation.