Addressing Home Inspection Findings: Dos and Don’ts

A home inspection is one of the more important moments in a real estate deal. It gives buyers a real look at the property and usually kicks off some negotiation. Here's how I'd approach it on both sides.

If you're the buyer

Read the full report, not just the summary, and flag the things that actually matter: structural issues, electrical hazards, major plumbing problems. Separate cosmetic stuff from real safety and structural concerns, and build a list of what's non-negotiable.

Lean on your agent here. A good agent can help you write a reasonable repair request or negotiate credits instead, and knows what's likely to actually get accepted versus what'll just slow things down.

Even if the seller agrees to a fix, make sure it's done by a licensed pro. Or, instead of chasing repairs, negotiate a price reduction or closing cost credit and handle it yourself after closing.

What I'd avoid: nitpicking minor cosmetic stuff, which just strains the negotiation for no real gain. Don't make repair calls without getting a second opinion from a contractor or specialist. And make sure your contract has an inspection contingency in the first place, so you have room to renegotiate or walk if something serious turns up.

If you're the seller

Consider a pre-inspection before you list. It lets you handle glaring issues before a buyer ever sees them. When repair requests come in, respond quickly. Slow responses erode trust and can stall the deal.

Prioritize the real safety issues and code violations, those aren't usually up for debate anyway, and addressing them fast shows good faith. Keep documentation, receipts, warranties, contractor reports, for anything you fix.

What I'd avoid: flatly refusing every repair request. That's a fast way to lose the deal. Don't cut corners with DIY fixes on anything major, poor repairs can turn into legal problems later. And don't just dismiss the buyer's concerns even if they seem small, explain your reasoning or offer an alternative instead.

Addressing inspection findings comes down to clear priorities, quick communication, and a willingness to meet in the middle. Handle it that way and both sides usually come out fine.

Need help with your next purchase or sale? Reach out, I'm happy to walk you through it.