🛠️ Dealing With Repairs After a Home Inspection: Tips for Sellers

hillstophomeinspec
18 minutes ago
2 min read

You’ve accepted an offer on your home. The buyer’s completed their inspection. Then comes the part many sellers dread: the repair request list.

If you're selling in Nashville, TN or anywhere in Middle Tennessee, it's important to know how to handle post-inspection negotiations the right way—so you don't lose your buyer or leave money on the table.

At Hill’s Top Home Inspections, we’ve seen it all. Here's a seller-friendly guide to dealing with repair requests after the home inspection.

🧾 What Happens After a Home Inspection?

After the buyer receives the inspection report, they typically respond with one of the following:

A list of requested repairs
A request for a repair credit or price reduction
A notice that they’re moving forward as-is
A decision to terminate the contract (rare, but possible)

What you do next depends on the condition of your home—and your willingness to negotiate.

🔧 Common Repairs Buyers Request

Buyers often focus on safety, structural, or code-related issues like:

Roof leaks or visible damage
Active plumbing leaks
HVAC system failure
Electrical hazards (missing GFCIs, exposed wiring)
Foundation cracks or settlement concerns
Mold or signs of water intrusion in crawlspaces or basements

✅ Tips for Sellers: How to Respond

1. Stay Calm and Strategic

A long list doesn’t always mean the deal is dead. Some buyers ask for more than they expect to receive. Focus on health and safety items first—cosmetic repairs can often be negotiated or declined.

2. Consult Your Agent

Your real estate agent can help you evaluate the requests and decide:

What you should fix
What you can offer as a credit
Which requests you can reasonably deny

3. Offer a Credit Instead of Repairs

Offering a repair credit at closing lets the buyer handle the repairs to their liking. This:

Avoids hiring contractors on a deadline
Keeps your closing date on track
Lowers your stress level

4. Use a Pre-Listing Inspection to Your Advantage

If you had a pre-listing home inspection, you may already have documentation showing which issues were disclosed or addressed—reducing surprises.

📍 Local Tip: Common Nashville Inspection Issues

In Middle Tennessee, we frequently see post-inspection negotiations around:

Crawlspace moisture
Aging HVAC units
Improper grading or drainage
Outdated electrical panels
Termite activity

Many of these issues are preventable or manageable with early preparation.

🧰 Should You Fix Everything?

No. Sellers are not required to make every repair. Focus on:

Anything that affects the home’s structure, safety, or function
Repairs that could hold up appraisal or financing (especially FHA/VA loans)

💡 Final Thoughts: Preparation Prevents Panic

Repair negotiations are just part of the process. With the right mindset—and a reliable home inspection—you can navigate post-inspection requests with confidence.

Want to avoid surprises? Consider scheduling a pre-listing inspection before your next sale.