Answers by Lori Sheehan

This is a great question—and a smart one. The short answer is: yes, there are protections you can build in, but what you can realistically get depends a lot on whether you're in a buyer’s market or a seller’s market, and whether you’re purchasing resale vs. new construction. On an existing home; a Home Inspection Contingency is your biggest protection. It covers concerns like HVAC condition, mold, roof, electrical, etc. and allows you to negotiate repairs or credits or simple to walk away if the inspection reveals issues of concern. In a strong seller's market, the Seller will have the leverage and it may not be the best approach for negotiations. If items are small, move ahead and take care of them yourself. If a Buyer's market, you have more leverage to request repairs or credits. Credits are more appealing to seller's as they typically do not want to do the work. On new construction; You should have a Builder Warranty, a 1 yr warranty on workmanship and a 1-2 yr on your systems, HVAC electrical and plumbing as well as a structural warranty. Again do an inspection and a final walk thru inspection. This is important. Have a Punch List with you for you final walkthrough and document everything before closing. In a Buyer's market you have more leverage for repairs, credits or home warranty. Items should be completed or money to be put into escrow. I hope you find this helpful. Lori