Navigating Buyer Repair Requests: The Smart Way to Keep Your Sale on Track
April 2025
Buying or selling a home is an exciting yet complex process, and one of the most crucial steps is the home inspection. Once the inspection report is in, buyers often submit repair requests to the seller before closing. While these requests can help ensure the home is in good condition, how they are handled can impact the entire transaction—sometimes for the worse.
Common Buyer-Requested Repairs
After reviewing the inspection report, buyers may request fixes for:
- Safety Hazards – Faulty wiring, missing GFCI outlets, unstable railings, or structural issues.
- Water Damage & Plumbing Concerns – Leaking pipes, water stains, drainage issues, or mold remediation.
- Roof & Exterior Defects – Missing shingles, deteriorating gutters, or cracked siding.
- HVAC & Mechanical Failures – Aging furnaces, malfunctioning air conditioning units, or inefficient water heaters.
While these concerns are valid, the way they are addressed is just as important as the request itself.
Why Professional Repairs Matter
It might seem appealing for sellers to complete repairs quickly and cheaply to keep the sale moving, but our experience has shown this often leads to poor results. In fact, our company no longer offers re-inspection services because we repeatedly encountered repairs that were either poorly executed, incomplete, or not done at all.
Here’s why repairs should always be completed by licensed professionals:
- Quality Assurance – Professionals deliver work that is thorough and correct, reducing the risk of recurring issues.
- Code Compliance – Licensed contractors follow local building codes, which ensures safety and helps avoid future legal complications.
- Protects Home Value – Poorly done repairs can be a red flag for future buyers and trigger new rounds of negotiation.
- Liability Protection – If a non-professional repair fails after closing, the seller could be held liable, opening the door to legal or financial consequences.
💡 Bottom line: Professional repairs aren’t just safer — they’re smarter. They help keep your sale moving forward and protect you long after the closing table.
Why Buyers Often Prefer Repair Credits Over Seller-Fixed Repairs
In many cases, it makes more sense for buyers to request a credit or price reduction rather than have the seller attempt repairs. Here’s why:
- You Control the Work – With a credit, buyers can hire their own trusted professionals and ensure the repairs are done right.
- Avoid Band-Aid Fixes – Sellers often opt for the fastest or cheapest route to satisfy repair requests, which may not fully resolve the issue.
- Keeps Closing on Track – Credits eliminate delays caused by contractor scheduling, inspection approvals, and incomplete work.
💡 Pro Tip: Make sure your inspection report clearly documents the issue to support your credit request during negotiations.
Sellers: Weighing Your Options
If you’re selling, it’s important to evaluate repair requests strategically. Not every repair is critical, and not every request needs to be accepted. Cosmetic concerns or minor wear-and-tear may not require attention before closing.
However, if the requested repairs involve health, safety, or structural integrity, addressing them with a licensed professional is essential. A well-handled repair strategy can build trust with the buyer and protect your investment.
Final Thoughts
A home inspection doesn’t have to derail your sale. The key is making informed decisions about which repairs truly matter and how to handle them. At Hometown Inspections, we advocate for transparency, safety, and quality—which is why we strongly encourage buyers to request credits rather than rely on seller-provided repairs. It’s often the best way to ensure the job gets done right, the first time.
🔍 Pro Tip: Before listing your home, consider a pre-listing inspection. Identifying and addressing issues early can reduce buyer pushback and give you the upper hand during negotiations. Click here to schedule yours today.
