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How to Handle Inspection Requests

  • Ashlie Spurlock
  • Apr 22
  • 2 min read

1. Review the Inspection Report Calmly

  • Separate major issues from minor ones

  • Expect some requests, even in good homes

👉 Most reports look worse than they actually are.


⚖️ 2. Focus on Major vs Minor Issues

✔️ Reasonable to address:

  • Safety concerns (electrical, structural)

  • Roof or plumbing problems

  • Major system issues

❌ Usually negotiable or ignorable:

  • Cosmetic flaws

  • Small wear and tear

  • Minor fixes (loose handles, paint touch-ups)

👉 Don’t overreact to small items.


💰 3. Know Your Options

You have three main choices:

🛠️ Option 1: Agree to Repairs

  • Fix issues before closing


💸 Option 2: Offer a Credit

  • Give buyer money to handle repairs themselves

🚫 Option 3: Decline or Partially Agree

  • Push back on unreasonable requests

👉 Credits are often easier and faster than repairs.


📊 4. Get Estimates Before Responding

  • Don’t guess repair costs

  • Get quotes from contractors

👉 This strengthens your negotiation position.


🤝 5. Negotiate Strategically

  • Don’t accept everything immediately

  • Counter with what you’re willing to do

👉 Example:

  • Buyer asks for ₱100,000 → You offer ₱40,000


⏳ 6. Consider Market Conditions

  • Hot market → You can push back more

  • Slow market → Be more flexible

👉 Your leverage depends on demand.

🧠

7. Keep the Deal in Perspective

Ask:

  • Is this request worth losing the deal over?

👉 Sometimes giving a small credit saves the entire transaction.


🚫 8. Avoid Common Mistakes

  • Getting defensive or emotional

  • Agreeing to everything too quickly

  • Ignoring serious issues

  • Letting small repairs kill the deal


🛠️ Repairs vs Credit: Quick Guide

Situation

Best Option

Small issues

Credit or ignore

Major safety issues

Repair or credit

Tight timeline

Credit

Complex repairs

Credit

🏁 Final Thought

Inspection requests are not a setback.They’re a normal part of closing the deal.

👉 The best approach:

  • Stay calm

  • Focus on major issues

  • Negotiate smartly

 
 
 

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