AHIT logo
Masthead
Contact: powell8534@sbcglobal.net / Phone (915) 474-4241

How that I have the report - what do I do with it?

When the home inspection report is in hand and you have fully discussed the findings with your inspector, it’s time to digest and evaluate this vital package of new information. At that point, you’ll have a week or less to weigh and determine which of the disclosed conditions are minor defects in need of normal maintenance, which are significant functional problems that warrant professional attention, and which are safety issues that demand priority repair.

Next, you’ll need to decide which conditions you are willing to accept as they are and which you would prefer the seller to repair prior to completing the sale. In lieu of repairs, you might opt to request a price adjustment on the property. Repairs and price changes are usually negotiable. Unless specified in the purchase contract or by state or local laws, sellers are generally not required to perform any repairs.

To assist you in sorting through these options and representing your choices in the negotiation process, it is best to have the professional representation of a Realtor. Home inspectors can provide guidelines and perspectives in answer to questions, but most essential at this stage of the transaction is representation by an agent or broker with strong negotiating skills and a sense of commitment to your financial interests.

In most cases, a residential sale is contingent upon the buyers’ acceptance of the home inspector’s report. This means that you, as buyer, have a specified number of days to accept or decline the property in “as is” condition. If you decline acceptance, you have four basic choices:
1) Ask the sellers to make a few repairs;
2) Ask the sellers to make many repairs;
3) Ask the sellers to reduce the sales price;
4) Decline to purchase the property.

If you request repairs or a price adjustment, based upon the home inspection report, the sellers also have choices. They can:
1) Agree to all of your requests;
2) Agree to some of your requests;
3) Agree to none of your requests;
4) Decline to sell you the property.

I hope this information helps you.