Build the request
- List the significant findings: safety items, major repairs and anything flagged for further evaluation.
- Get estimates from licensed contractors for each.
- Prioritize and decide on a total.
- Choose for each item: seller repair, credit, or price reduction.
- Submit through your agent, with the relevant report pages and estimates attached.
What sellers tend to accept
- Safety items such as gas leaks, electrical hazards and missing smoke or CO alarms.
- Items required by law at sale or by the lender.
- Major defects that weren’t disclosed.
- Section 1 termite work.
What sellers often push back on
- Cosmetic items and maintenance.
- Upgrades to current code for older but functional systems.
- Items that were disclosed before the offer.
- Estimates that look inflated.
When the seller does the work
Ask for licensed contractors, permits where required, and copies of invoices before closing. Check the work at the final walkthrough.
Common questions
Repair or credit?
A credit lets you choose the contractor and the quality. Repairs may be needed when a lender requires them before closing. Many buyers prefer credits for anything that isn't required to close.
Is it reasonable to ask for maintenance items?
Usually not. Sellers expect requests for significant defects, not for caulking and filter changes. Asking for minor items weakens the important ones.