What happens if the inspection finds problems?
Inspection Finds Problems? Turn It Into Leverage — What Happens Next
Immediate reality: the inspection report matters
If a home inspection finds problems, the transaction doesn’t end — it pivots. The inspection report becomes your roadmap. It lists defects, classifies severity, and creates leverage for buyers and protection for sellers. Know the options and act fast.
Common outcomes when problems show up
- Request repairs: Ask the seller to fix safety or major issues before closing. This is common for structural, electrical, or plumbing failures.
- Request credit or price reduction: If the seller won’t fix, negotiate a fair credit or lower price based on contractor estimates.
- Conditional closing or escrow holdback: Agree to close while holding funds in escrow to ensure repairs are completed.
- Walk away: Use your inspection contingency to cancel the deal if repairs are unacceptable.
- Accept as-is: Proceed if issues are minor and priced in.
How to prioritize issues (fast)
- Safety first: Hazards — electrical, active leaks, mold that threatens health — demand immediate action.
- Structural next: Foundation, roof, load-bearing walls. These impact value and insurance.
- Systems: HVAC, plumbing, electrical systems matter for living cost and comfort.
- Cosmetic: Paint, trim, flooring. These don’t usually justify renegotiation unless they hide bigger problems.
Practical negotiation steps
- Get contractor estimates. Present three realistic quotes tied to the inspection items.
- Draft clear repair requests. Use itemized language from the report and attach quotes.
- Propose a credit if timing or access prevents pre-closing repairs. Be specific: amount and purpose.
- Use escrow holdback for large, multi-step repairs with vendor timelines.
- If price or repairs aren’t acceptable, exercise the inspection contingency to walk.
What about the appraisal?
If an inspector notes major defects, the appraiser may lower the value. Lower appraisal affects financing. If appraisal comes in low you can:
- Renegotiate price to lender’s value.
- Bring cash to close the gap.
- Ask seller for credit.
- Walk away if contract allows.
Avoid rookie mistakes
- Don’t ask for every cosmetic fix. Focus on value and safety.
- Don’t accept vague verbal promises. Get agreements in writing.
- Don’t skip re-inspection after repairs on major items.
Why work with an experienced agent
A local expert knows which issues are negotiable and which are deal killers. I provide contractor contacts, estimate reviews, and clean, enforceable repair requests. I’ve navigated inspection problems in every Toronto neighborhood. That saves time and money.
Ready to move forward after an inspection? Email tony@sousasells.ca or call 416-477-2620 for a clear plan. Visit https://www.sousasells.ca for resources and sample repair request templates.
