Can I request seller concessions for repairs?
Can I request seller concessions for repairs? — Yes. Here’s how to win the repair fight in Georgetown and keep your sale on track.
Quick answer that saves you hours
Yes — buyers can request seller concessions for repairs. In Georgetown, Ontario, the outcome depends on market conditions, the inspection report, and how you handle negotiation. As a home seller, you have four real choices: do the repairs, give a credit at closing, reduce the price, or stand firm and refuse. Each choice changes buyer psychology and closing risk.
What are seller concessions (plain language)
Seller concessions are any relief a seller offers to a buyer to close the deal. Common forms in Georgetown:
- Cash credit at closing (closing cost or repair credit)
- Agreed price reduction
- Seller agrees to complete repairs before closing
- Providing a paid invoice or warranty for completed work
These are tools — not signals of weakness. Use them to keep a deal alive and protect your net proceeds.
Why Georgetown, Ontario matters — local market context
Georgetown sits in Halton Hills and feeds into the Greater Toronto market. That matters for concessions because:
- Buyers are often price-sensitive but expect decent standards.
- Inventory fluctuates with GTA trends — tight markets mean sellers have leverage; slow markets mean buyers push harder for concessions.
- Older houses in Georgetown may show age-related repairs (roof, furnace, drainage). Buyers will flag these in inspections.
If you want to avoid last-minute concessions, price accurately and disclose known issues up front. That reduces inspection shock and buyer demands.
How buyers ask — and how sellers should respond
Buyers will often ask three ways after inspection:
- Demand full repairs.
- Request a specific dollar credit at closing.
- Ask for a price reduction.
Sellers: respond fast, factual, and controlled. Don’t react emotionally. Your goal is to save the sale while protecting proceeds.
A practical seller response roadmap:
- Read the inspection report with your agent. Identify safety issues and high-cost items.
- Get 2–3 quotes for repairs for transparency.
- Choose the best option: repair, credit, price change, or refuse.
- Counter with a clear offer: e.g., “Will complete furnace service and provide receipt” or “$6,000 credit at closing in lieu of repairs.”
Tactical negotiation moves that work in Georgetown
Use these direct, effective tactics:
- Lead with data. Present written quotes or receipts. Buyers accept numbers.
- Trade value, don’t just give. If you offer a $5,000 credit, ask for a small extension on closing or the inspection contingency to be removed.
- Use urgency. Give the buyer a clear deadline for acceptance of your concession.
- Fit concessions to problems. Cosmetic issues get a small credit; structural or safety issues require real fixes or larger credits.
When to repair vs. give a credit (decision checklist)
Pick the path that preserves sale momentum and your bottom line.
Repair when:
- The issue is a safety or code problem (electrical, structural, gas).
- Repair cost is modest and speeds closing.
- Repairs increase saleability or appraised value.
Offer credit when:
- Buyer prefers control over repairs.
- Repairs are subjective or expensive and you want a clean closing.
- The lender will accept a credit (confirm with buyer’s mortgage terms).
Refuse when:
- Buyer’s requests are unreasonable or clearly negotiation leverage.
- House is accurately priced and the market supports it.
Pricing strategy to minimize concession requests
Most sellers lose bargaining power by mis-pricing their property. Fix this:
- Price honestly for condition. If the roof is 15 years old, price for it.
- Consider a pre-listing inspection to surface issues before offers arrive.
- Offer a realistic repair allowance in your listing notes if you expect buyer pushback.
Buyers often test margin. Give them less to test.
Sample counteroffer language for sellers (copy-and-use)
Use clear, short language in your counter to remove ambiguity.
- “Sellers agree to complete furnace service and provide invoice at closing.”
- “Sellers provide $7,500 credit at closing toward buyer’s closing costs in lieu of seller-performed repairs.”
- “Sellers will repair loose deck boards and replace missing handrail prior to closing.”
Always run final language by your lawyer or realtor before sending.
Realistic numbers for Georgetown sellers
Example scenario:
- Inspection reveals roof shingles near end of life — buyer requests $8,000 for a new roof.
- Repair quote from contractor: $9,500. You don’t want to manage a new roof before closing.
- Counter with: $8,000 credit at closing or $5,000 credit + $3,000 immediate repair to fascias and flashing.
Why that works: the buyer gets money to manage risk; you keep control over final sale price while avoiding contractor coordination.
Avoid these common seller mistakes
- Saying yes to every request without getting a contractor quote.
- Accepting a lowball request because you’re emotionally attached.
- Ignoring the inspection report and hoping the buyer forgets.
- Not consulting mortgage/lender rules — some lenders have limits on concessions.
If the buyer walks — how to relist stronger
If negotiations fail and the buyer walks:
- Re-assess your pricing and disclosures.
- Get the problem fixed or issue a transparent repair credit.
- Re-list with clear messaging: “Roof replaced in 2025” or “$5,000 repair credit available.”
A straightforward, well-documented solution will attract serious buyers quickly in Georgetown.
Bottom line for home sellers in Georgetown, ON
Yes — buyers can request concessions. But concessions are a negotiation tool, not a requirement. As a Georgetown seller, you decide whether to fix, credit, discount, or stand firm. The right choice depends on cost, risk, timelines, and your sale objectives.
Handle requests fast, document everything, and counter with data. That approach preserves your proceeds and reputation.
Ready to negotiate smarter? Local help that wins deals
If you want a negotiation edge in Georgetown’s Offers & Negotiation arena, call the local expert who knows the market, the contractors, and how buyers here behave. Get specific repair quotes and a negotiation script tailored to your home.
Contact: Tony Sousa — tony@sousasells.ca | 416-477-2620 | https://www.sousasells.ca
FAQ — Practical answers Georgetown sellers ask all the time
Q: Can I refuse a buyer’s request for repairs?
A: Yes. You can refuse. But refusing may prompt the buyer to walk. Counteroffer instead — most deals close by compromise.
Q: How much credit should I offer for a roof or furnace?
A: Get 2–3 contractor quotes. Typical credits vary widely based on condition, but always base your figure on real quotes, not guesswork.
Q: Will a lender allow a seller credit in Canada?
A: Many lenders permit seller credits or price adjustments, but rules vary by lender and mortgage type. Confirm with the buyer’s mortgage specialist.
Q: Should I pre-inspect before listing?
A: Yes. A pre-listing inspection reveals issues you can fix or price for. It reduces last-minute concessions and speeds closing.
Q: Are repairs or credits better for sellers?
A: Repairs remove uncertainty for buyers and can be preferable for safety issues. Credits are faster and cleaner for larger, non-urgent items. Choose based on cost and timing.
Q: Can I require the buyer to use my contractors?
A: You can recommend contractors, but buyers often want to choose their own. Insist on licensed, insured trades and provide quotes.
Q: How do concessions affect my net proceeds?
A: Credits and price reductions reduce your net proceeds dollar-for-dollar. Repairs may increase sale value and reduce negotiation friction—calculate both.
Q: What if the buyer finds new issues after I’ve agreed to concessions?
A: Limit the scope of concessions in writing. Use precise language in the amendment so scope and amounts are clear. If new issues arise, re-negotiate.
If you want direct negotiation help for your Georgetown listing, call Tony Sousa. Real offers. Clear negotiation. Better outcomes.
Contact: tony@sousasells.ca | 416-477-2620 | https://www.sousasells.ca
