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How to Handle Issues Found During a Home Inspection: Buyer’s and Seller’s Guide

Writer's picture: Tyler ReynoldsTyler Reynolds

Home inspections are an essential part of real estate transactions, offering buyers and sellers clarity about a property's condition. However, what happens when issues are uncovered? Whether you're a buyer or a seller in Atlanta suburbs like Marietta or Alpharetta, knowing how to navigate inspection findings can make all the difference in a smooth, successful transaction.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to handling home inspection issues, along with actionable tips to keep your deal on track.

For Buyers: Steps to Take When Issues Are Found

1. Prioritize the Findings

Not every issue is a dealbreaker. Pay close attention to major problems like structural damage, roofing issues, or faulty electrical systems. Minor cosmetic issues or routine maintenance tasks can usually be addressed after the purchase.

2. Consult with Your Real Estate Agent

Your agent can help you decide whether to negotiate repairs, request a price reduction, or proceed with the purchase as is. They’ll guide you in crafting a reasonable repair request that balances your priorities and maintains goodwill with the seller.

3. Get Estimates from Contractors

If a major issue is found, hire a local contractor to provide repair estimates. This can help you determine whether to negotiate for repairs or a price reduction.

4. Consider Renegotiation or Credits

You can request the seller either:

  • Make the necessary repairs before closing.

  • Provide financial credits or reduce the sale price so you can handle the repairs after moving in.

5. Know When to Walk Away

While many inspection findings are negotiable, significant issues like foundation problems or extensive mold damage could signal the need to reconsider the deal if the seller is unwilling to address them.

For Sellers: What to Do When Issues Are Found

1. Be Proactive with a Pre-Listing Inspection

If you haven’t already, consider getting a pre-listing inspection. Identifying and fixing problems beforehand allows you to avoid last-minute surprises and strengthens your negotiation position.

2. Review the Buyer’s Requests

When a buyer requests repairs, review their concerns with your real estate agent and determine what’s reasonable. Keep in mind that addressing major issues is often necessary to keep the deal moving.

3. Choose Repairs Strategically

Focus on high-impact repairs that are likely to increase buyer confidence. For instance, fixing a leaky roof or repairing HVAC systems can make a big difference in the home’s perceived value.

4. Offer Credits When Repairs Aren’t Feasible

If you don’t have time to complete repairs before closing, offering a credit or price reduction can be a practical solution. This approach gives buyers the flexibility to address the issues on their own terms.

5. Communicate Transparently

Open and honest communication about the property’s condition builds trust with buyers. If you’ve already made repairs or adjustments, provide receipts and documentation to show the work has been completed professionally.

A Real-Life Story: Navigating Inspection Challenges in Alpharetta

The Smiths, a young couple in Alpharetta, were thrilled to find their dream home. However, during the inspection, several issues were revealed, including a cracked chimney, outdated wiring, and minor water damage in the basement.

Working with their agent, the Smiths prioritized the issues and requested that the seller address the wiring and chimney repairs while leaving the water damage for them to handle post-closing.

The seller agreed to handle the repairs, providing a detailed invoice from a licensed contractor as proof of completion. This transparent process reassured the Smiths and kept the deal on track.

By approaching the inspection findings with a problem-solving mindset, both parties avoided unnecessary delays, and the transaction closed smoothly.

How to Handle the Emotional Aspect of Inspections

Inspection findings can feel overwhelming, but they’re not the end of the world. Remember:

  • For Buyers: It’s better to know about issues upfront than discover them after moving in.

  • For Sellers: Inspections are an opportunity to show you’re committed to a fair, transparent sale.

By working collaboratively, buyers and sellers can resolve issues and move forward confidently.

Book Your Home Inspection Today

Handling inspection findings starts with a trusted home inspection report. At Reynolds Home and Property Solutions, we provide comprehensive inspections for buyers and sellers in Marietta, Alpharetta, and the surrounding Atlanta suburbs. Whether you need a pre-listing inspection or a buyer’s inspection, we’ll help you navigate the process with ease.

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