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Which repairs should I perform after an inspection?
Our buyer wants a long list of repairs on the house we're selling. We feel that they're asking for too much and the repairs are unnecessary and picky. We also want the deal to go through. Do you have any advice on what repairs we should perform?
Asked By Matt | Forest Park, IL | 773 views | Selling | Updated 3 years ago
Answers (4)
Amanda Courtney
REP Realty Group
Focus on safety and major systems first: roof, electrical, plumbing leaks, HVAC, structural, mold/moisture. Cosmetic items are optional, and credits can be a good alternative.
- 2 months ago
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Chris Yochum
Dickson Realty
Its generally a good idea to focus on any health and safely concerns first and foremost. Many times when a buyer puts together a list of requests they will plan for the seller not wanting to do some, though each case if unique. Once getting a quote on all items from someone qualified to do so often the cost can be less than expected. If thats not the case, then you will want to decide on what is reasonable to you to accept and let your agent know so they can have that discussion with the other party. Sometimes you can offer out a credit to the buyers so they can do it themselves as well.
- 3 years ago
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Carol Hunt
Baird & Warner
Inspection requests are very common, and it’s not unusual for buyers to present a long list after the inspection. The key is separating meaningful issues from minor items.
In most cases, I advise sellers to focus only on health, safety, or structural concerns — things such as electrical hazards, plumbing leaks, roof issues, or mechanical problems. Cosmetic items or small maintenance issues often fall into the category of normal homeownership rather than something a seller needs to fix.
One strategy many sellers find effective is offering a credit at closing instead of doing the repairs themselves. This avoids delays, prevents additional issues from being discovered during repairs, and allows the buyer to handle the work after they move in.
It’s also helpful for the listing agent to set expectations early that the inspection is meant to identify significant concerns rather than a long repair list.
Every transaction is a negotiation. The goal is to address legitimate issues while keeping the transaction moving forward without taking on unnecessary work.
Carol Hunt
Broker, ePRO®, GRI
Baird & Warner, Winnetka
847-404-7959
[email protected]
In most cases, I advise sellers to focus only on health, safety, or structural concerns — things such as electrical hazards, plumbing leaks, roof issues, or mechanical problems. Cosmetic items or small maintenance issues often fall into the category of normal homeownership rather than something a seller needs to fix.
One strategy many sellers find effective is offering a credit at closing instead of doing the repairs themselves. This avoids delays, prevents additional issues from being discovered during repairs, and allows the buyer to handle the work after they move in.
It’s also helpful for the listing agent to set expectations early that the inspection is meant to identify significant concerns rather than a long repair list.
Every transaction is a negotiation. The goal is to address legitimate issues while keeping the transaction moving forward without taking on unnecessary work.
Carol Hunt
Broker, ePRO®, GRI
Baird & Warner, Winnetka
847-404-7959
[email protected]
- 22 hours ago
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- Unhelpful (0)
Without knowing the list of repairs, it is hard to recommend. I would say take care of the health and safety repairs first. The inspector should mention which items you should address now and what items can repair later.
- 3 years ago
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