Don’t Push Your Luck: Repair Requests Homebuyers Shouldn’t Make

By Cass Lutjen | June 30, 2023 |

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When purchasing a new home, it’s common for buyers to request repairs or concessions from sellers. While it’s essential to address significant issues that affect the home’s safety or structural integrity, there are certain repair requests that homebuyers should avoid making.

Understanding which repairs are reasonable and which ones may be unrealistic or burdensome to sellers can help streamline the negotiation process and lead to a smoother home purchase.

In this blog post, we’ll explore some repair requests that homebuyers should refrain from making to sellers.

Cosmetic issues such as paint colors, wallpaper, or outdated fixtures are generally considered discretionary improvements. It’s important to remember that sellers are not obligated to accommodate personal aesthetic preferences.

These requests may be seen as nitpicking and could potentially derail negotiations. It’s advisable for homebuyers to focus on significant repairs that impact the home’s functionality and safety.

Routine maintenance tasks like changing light bulbs, cleaning gutters, or replacing air filters are considered standard responsibilities of homeownership. Requesting sellers to perform these routine maintenance tasks may be unreasonable and could lead to unnecessary tension during the negotiation process.

Homebuyers should be prepared to handle these regular maintenance tasks themselves once they assume ownership of the property.

As a buyer, it’s essential to distinguish between necessary repairs and desired upgrades. While it’s reasonable to ask sellers to address issues that affect the home’s livability and safety, requesting major renovations or upgrades is generally not the seller’s responsibility.

If buyers desire specific upgrades, it’s advisable to factor those costs into their budget and consider making those improvements post-purchase.

When it comes to repair requests, it’s crucial to focus on items that affect the functionality and safety of the home. Examples include electrical issues, plumbing leaks, HVAC malfunctions, roof leaks, or structural problems. These are valid concerns that sellers should address to ensure a safe and habitable living environment.

Buyers should prioritize these types of repair requests rather than minor cosmetic or discretionary issues.

During the home inspection process, buyers may discover pre-existing conditions or issues that were disclosed by the seller upfront. In such cases, it’s important to consider whether these conditions were factored into the purchase price.

If the seller has already taken these issues into account and adjusted the price accordingly, requesting additional repairs or compensation may not be reasonable or justified.

THE BOTTOMLINE

Navigating the repair request process can be a delicate balance for homebuyers. While it’s essential to address significant safety and functionality concerns, it’s equally important to avoid making unreasonable or burdensome requests that may strain negotiations with sellers.

By focusing on crucial repairs and understanding the distinction between necessary fixes and discretionary improvements, homebuyers can approach the negotiation process more effectively, ultimately leading to a successful home purchase.