Answers by Doug McNeilly

Great question—and one a lot of buyers struggle with. After an inspection, it’s helpful to separate major issues from cosmetic ones. In your case, a cracked heat exchanger and roof leaks are significant concerns, especially since the heat exchanger is a safety issue and roof problems can lead to larger damage over time. Items like holes in walls, worn carpet, and broken vent covers are generally considered normal wear and tear and are usually not the focus of negotiations. The standard approach is to concentrate on the big-ticket items that affect safety, structure, or major systems. Rather than asking the seller to fix everything, many buyers prefer to request a credit so they can control the quality of the repairs and avoid rushed or minimal fixes by the seller. A $10K credit could be reasonable, but it’s best to support that number with estimates—if the heat exchanger and roof repairs together justify that range, your request will feel more grounded and credible. Overall, the most effective strategy is to present a focused, reasonable request centered on the major issues, which keeps negotiations productive and increases the likelihood of reaching an agreement without jeopardizing the deal.