The Impact of Home Inspection Findings on Negotiations

The Impact of Home Inspection Findings on Negotiations
By City Home Inspectors

🔎 Whether you're buying or selling, a home inspection can be a turning point in the deal. For sellers, what shows up on the report could mean money off the table. For buyers, it’s a powerful tool for negotiation.

Let’s break down exactly how inspection findings influence negotiations—and how sellers can stay one step ahead.

💰 Common Outcomes of an Inspection Report

Once the buyer receives the report, they may:

• Request repairs before closing

• Ask for a price reduction

• Negotiate a repair credit

• Walk away entirely, depending on severity

Even small issues (like a leaking faucet or damaged shingles) can raise red flags or prompt requests—especially in a buyer’s market.

🧱 How to Protect Your Position as a Seller

1. Get a Pre-Listing Inspection
Find problems before buyers do. This lets you:

• Fix key issues upfront

• Show transparency and confidence

• Reduce the risk of deal-breaking surprises

2. Document Recent Repairs
Leave receipts or service records visible during the inspection. It builds credibility and shows you’ve maintained the home.

3. Prioritize Health and Safety Items
Addressing electrical hazards, leaks, or loose railings ahead of time helps reduce negotiation leverage against you.

📈 Real Results

📌 A seller in Lincoln Park who completed minor roof and plumbing fixes before listing avoided $10,000 in credits the buyer originally asked for.

📌 Another client in Oak Brook used a pre-listing inspection report to justify their asking price—and sold within days.

🎯 The takeaway? Inspection findings are leverage. Make sure they’re working for you—not against you.

📅 Book your pre-listing or buyer inspection at www.cityhomeinspectors.com