After an inspection of the home, the buyer will receive a detailed report of the home’s condition and may request repairs, seek credit, renegotiate prices, or in some cases leave if serious issues become apparent. For sellers, knowing what’s coming next can mean the difference between a smooth closure and a contract breaks down.
Whether you’re selling your home in Austin, Texas, Seattle, Washington, or Atlanta, Georgia, this Redfin guide explains what happens after a seller’s home inspection and how to strategically prepare and respond.
What happens after the home inspection?
After the home inspection, buyers and their agents receive detailed reports on the home’s condition, including key systems (HVAC, plumbing, electricity, etc.), potential concerns, appliances, and safety items. These findings are categorized as major defects, safety hazards, or cosmetic issues.
Once the buyer and his agent have finished reviewing the report, they present the seller with a request. From there, the seller can expect one of several possible outcomes.
AS-IS advance: Buyers accept the home without changing. Repair Request: You may be asked to complete certain modifications before closing. Credit Request: Buyers can request money at closing to cover the issue. Negotiation: Sellers and buyers can adjust terms to keep their transactions on track. Cancellation: If the issue is too big, the buyer may leave under the urgency of the inspection.
Recognise what you are obligated to fix before moving forward
It is important for sellers to understand that not all repair requests are negotiable. Some are legally or financially necessary. Knowing this in advance will help you respond strategically, manage costs, and keep your transactions moving. for example:
Due to inspection contingencies, the buyer is entitled to request or cancel repairs within a set time frame. Loan program requirements (FHA, VA, USDA) often require corrections to safety and livability issues such as roof damage, poor wiring, and water intrusion. Local and state regulations may require certain disclosures or mandatory repairs, such as smoke detectors and water heaters seismic straps.
General repair requests and typical costs
As a seller, getting used to the typical repair requests and their typical costs can help you more effectively predict the buyer’s demands and budget.
Buyers usually request the following methods:
Roof Damage or Leakage Structure or Foundation Problems Pipe Leaked or Corroded Pipe Electric Hazard (Old-fashioned Wiring, Missing GFCIS) HVAC Malfunction Pest or Mold Repair
Cost Range:
Minor fixes (leaky faucet, outlet replacement): $100-500 medium repairs (small roof patches, HVAC services, mold treatment): $500-2,000 major repairs (roof replacements, structural work, new HVAC systems): $5,000-$15,000+
How sellers can respond to buyers’ requests
The buyer has presented a request, but now it’s up to you as a seller to decide how to move forward. Your response will play a key role in shaping negotiations and whether sales proceed smoothly until closing.
Seller Options Pros/Cons Meet All Requested Repairs + Buyer and Clear the Road to Closure
+Reduce the risk of renegotiation or cancellation
+You can smooth out your rating
+ indicates goodwill
– It’s expensive especially for major issues
– It may take time and closures may be delayed
– Fix unworthy cosmetics
-Risks of low quality work in a hurry
Make selective repairs + Focus on major, safety, or fixes that lenders need
+Save money with minor issues
+ A balanced, collaborative approach
+ Works well in a competitive market
– Buyers may feel partially satisfied
– Too many rejections puts cancellations at risk
– Unresolved issues may resurface later
Financial Concessions/Repairs + Buyers manage repairs
+ Save time and stress
+I’m on track
+ Flexible (price reduction or closing cost credit)
– Buyers can inflate repair costs
– Reduce your online revenue
– Buyers may be worried about high-priced issues
Refusal repair request + no additional cost
+ Possible to succeed in the hot market
+ Appeal to sellers who want a clean deal
– High-risk buyer cancels
-Longer time on the market, higher carrying costs
– It could weaken the negotiation position
Negotiations and contract amendments
Once you and the buyer have a repair or credit agreement, the next step is to make everything in writing. Changes to the original transaction should be documented as an addendum to the purchase agreement, which outlines who will be in charge of what, deadlines, and how to verify the work.
Common negotiation approaches include:
Counter Offer: Accept major or safety modifications, reduce credits, adjust prices. Credit vs repair: Choose to do your own work or provide credit to buyers upon closing. Escrow Holdback: If repairs cannot be completed on time, we will collect money upon closing.
>>Read: How to negotiate after a home inspection
What if things don’t work?
Even with the best preparations, things don’t always go smoothly. Here’s how to handle common set folds:
The buyer leaves
If negotiations are made and the buyer retreats:
Quickly relist: Work with agents to bring your property back to the market. Reevaluate your approach: Review feedback to see if pricing, condition, or marketing needs adjustments. Follow-up with other buyers: Previous show stakeholders may remain available.
Low rating
If your home is below the agreed price:
Challenge your assessment: Submit evidence of comparable sales and improvements. Renegotiation: Adjust the price or split the difference with the buyer. Provide concessions: Cover certain closure costs to keep transactions moving. Relist as needed: Use rating feedback to set a more realistic price.
Delays from repair or permit
If necessary, repairs or approvals will slow the process down.
Work with a trusted contractor: Choose a licensed professional to avoid mistakes and Redos. Proactive Maintenance: closely monitor progress and schedule inspections early. Negotiation of expansion: If both parties agree, expand the closure timeline. Provide credit: Instead of completing repairs, you will be credited to the buyer so they can handle it themselves upon closing.
Navigate your post-examination with confidence
As a seller, the inspection doesn’t have to feel like a set-off. Instead, it’s a chance to show that your home is well-maintained and keep the transaction on track. Getting closer to this stage with preparation and clear strategies will help you reduce surprises and move towards closure with confidence. If you have any questions or concerns along the way, check in with the Redfin agent.
Quick Seller Checklist
Schedule listing inspections in advance to have issues before the buyer keeps receipts, permits and maintenance records to identify which repairs are mandatory, general or negotiable tasks shape a wise negotiation strategy with the agent to enhance small cosmetic modifications
FAQ: What happens after the seller’s house inspection?
1.How quickly should I respond to a buyer’s inspection request?
Ideally, we will respond to buyer requests within 2-5 days. Later, buyers who cancel an inspection in an emergency could be at risk.
2. Who is responsible for completing the repairs and paying?
As a seller, if you agree to repairs, you are generally responsible for hiring an authorized contractor, making payments before closing, and providing proof of completion. Alternatively, the buyer could negotiate credits to handle repairs after closing.
3. Should I use a licensed contractor for repairs?
Yes, especially on major issues. Licensed professionals are usually required by buyers and lenders. Some repairs may require a license or on-site inspection.
4. What happens if the same problem occurs to a new buyer after the transaction is closed?
Unresolved issues can interfere with offers or cause repeated negotiations, so be sure to clarify the issue to future buyers. Addressing these issues early saves time and protects your selling price.
>>Read: What do you need to disclose when selling a home?
5. Can I negotiate non-repair items after inspection?
Yes, the inspection period allows you to negotiate repairs, credits, end dates, or cost compensation, saving you on your transaction without expensive modifications.
