Guidelines for Successful Negotiations Following a Home Inspection

Today, the condition allowing buyers to appoint a home inspection before completing the purchase is seen in many real estate contracts. The property will next be thoroughly assessed by a home inspector to ensure the house is secure. 

The inspector will point out which components of the house need to be replaced or brought up to code and these observations will be outlined in a report after concluding their assessment. The buyer has the option of continuing with negotiations if they do not wish to cancel the transaction. If you don’t know how to bargain, you can read this article for some advice. 

Practice Your Bluff 

When the seller’s broker is present, try to avoid discussing your plans in detail. For example, if you mention at any point all the modifications you want to do, the selling broker would likely inform the seller who could then be reluctant to provide any repairs seeing as you want to make expensive modifications. 

Be Reasonable 

When negotiating the price of the property, your real estate broker will give you advice on what would be “too much” to ask for. If your requests are reasonable, you will often obtain the majority of what you ask for. The seller and you both want to come to an agreement and finish the purchase, after all. 

Take into account the seller’s viewpoint and what you would consent to if you were in their place. They could completely reject your demands if they find them to be unreasonable. 

Prioritize Repairs 

Both large and small issues will be highlighted in the home inspection report. There may be some serious problems that require immediate attention. It is therefore up to you to give serious matters priority over minor ones. You might have to specify the modifications you view as “deal breakers.” 

Most small issues can usually be overlooked in order to complete the transaction. Sellers sometimes ignore fairly minor issues like loose boards, chipped paint, or any other repair that costs less than $100. 

If the issues are not corrected or paid for, you will be the one to walk away from the contract. Making a separate list for the small repairs may also be necessary at the same time.  

Recognize that small repairs are those that should ideally be fixed; if not, you may live with them or do the necessary repairs yourself.  If there isn’t a serious structural flaw, safety concern, or building code violation, just be ready to handle it yourself when you buy the property. 

Get Help 

You can email a copy of the inspector’s report to your real estate broker once you have it in your possession. Your real estate broker can help you with his recommendations seeing as they have the necessary experience in this field. They can suggest what modifications or fixes you should request from the buyer. 

Your broker, given their experience, will also have a solid idea of what the seller would accept if they want to finish the deal. 

Know What “As-Is” Means 

Many homes may be listed as “as-is,” and you should understand what that entails. This should be seen as a strong indication that the vendor is unwilling to perform any repairs themselves; however, this does not exclude you from negotiating the price.  

If a home inspection reveals serious flaws with the property and you go ahead with the purchase, you should negotiate a reduced asking price. Never skip a home inspection. 

Recognize When to Leave 

If you and the buyer cannot agree on repairs, you can terminate the deal and obtain a refund thanks to the home inspection contingency clause in your contract. If a seller declines your request for repairs, you are usually better off finding another property that meets your requirements. 

With our expert home inspection services in Montreal, we can help you. We will ensure you receive an unbiased report for the property you want to buy thanks to the expertise of our inspectors. Therefore, Oninspecte is the best option if you desire complete transparency in your home.