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How much should I push for repairs after a bad home inspection?

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Mila_Styl
Joined:
08.06.2022
Posts: 1263
Topic Starter
22.03.2025 08:18
We just got our inspection report back and it's definitely worse than we anticipated. There are some major issues with the HVAC system and a few potential foundation cracks that weren't obvious during the initial walkthrough. Our agent is suggesting we ask for a price reduction, but I'm worried the sellers will just walk away and move to the next offer since it's a hot market. Has anyone successfully negotiated a significant price drop after an inspection, or should we just ask for specific repairs instead? I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed and want to make sure I don't lose the house over a misunderstanding.
12 replies in this topic
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Alex_K
Joined:
03.10.2024
Posts: 2163
17.05.2025 12:18
Honestly, in a hot market, sellers have all the leverage. If you push too hard, they will just move to the next person in line. Stick to the big-ticket items like the foundation.
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Alice_K
Joined:
21.03.2021
Posts: 1835
30.05.2025 16:06
In reply to a previous post
I agree with the previous comment. Foundation issues are a dealbreaker for most lenders anyway, so you have a bit more ground to stand on there than with the HVAC.
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Expert_11
Joined:
21.05.2023
Posts: 1463
11.06.2025 19:27
Don't let them do the repairs themselves! They will just hire the cheapest handyman possible to slap a band-aid on it. Always go for the price reduction or credit.
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Mike_B
Joined:
22.11.2020
Posts: 895
24.08.2025 21:31
In reply to a previous post
This is great advice. I made the mistake of letting the seller fix a plumbing issue and it leaked again two weeks after we moved in.
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Sam_W
Joined:
14.11.2021
Posts: 1212
21.09.2025 21:33
How much are we talking here? If it's a few thousand, just eat it if you love the house. If it's 20k+, you have to negotiate.
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mati_123
Joined:
01.08.2021
Posts: 2488
22.09.2025 03:04
In reply to a previous post
I second this. You have to weigh the cost of the repair against the cost of losing the house. Is it worth walking away over 5k when the market is rising?
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Yulia_M
Joined:
18.07.2024
Posts: 1787
02.11.2025 23:25
Get a specialist out there for the foundation cracks specifically. The general inspector might be flagging things that are just normal settling, and you don't want to kill the deal over nothing.
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Phil_G
Joined:
18.06.2022
Posts: 877
04.11.2025 22:30
In reply to a previous post
Exactly. Don't panic until you have a structural engineer look at those cracks. General inspectors are notorious for over-reporting to cover their own liability.
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advice_pro
Joined:
30.03.2022
Posts: 860
05.11.2025 02:03
We negotiated a 10k credit after a bad roof report. Just be professional and provide the documentation. Most sellers know the issues exist and are prepared to negotiate.
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curious_k
Joined:
25.09.2021
Posts: 1380
11.01.2026 08:32
In reply to a previous post
That's encouraging to hear. Did you have to threaten to walk away to get that credit, or were they reasonable?
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KnowItAll
Joined:
28.12.2021
Posts: 856
15.01.2026 14:35
If you really want the house, ask for a credit for the HVAC and ignore the minor stuff. Don't make a laundry list of 50 small items or they will definitely walk.
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lone_wolf
Joined:
01.11.2023
Posts: 1886
23.01.2026 17:35
In reply to a previous post
Agreed. Keep the list short and focused on safety and structural integrity. Good luck!

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