3 Repair Requests to Never Ask a Seller
You did it. You found the home of your dreams, but now comes the tricky part: the repair requests. During these negotiations, tensions can be high as money (on both sides) are at stake. Sellers are looking for a quick and easy closing, and the more they are hassled for minor repairs, the more likely those little requests could jeopardize the sale. When working with your real estate agent on building these requests, remember the three things to never ask a seller to repair.
Cosmetic Issues
Does the house need a fresh coat of paint? Maybe you aren’t a fan of the blinds. Either way, it’s best to leave these cosmetic issues off the table. Remember, the seller could have received more than one offer, and those buyers could be happy with the home as-is. Don’t risk losing the home over a coat of paint. Instead, wait until post-closing to give the repair list to a contractor or handyman of your choice to ensure all the repairs are fulfilled to your standards.
The $20 and Under Repairs
If a lightbulb is out or a door has a squeak, just let it be. If the home inspector doesn’t mark the issue as a code violation or safety risk, leave those repairs for post-closing. Repairs that are DIY or under $20 are best to not request for the seller to fix.
Sellers have real estate agents as well, and if the seller is unhappy with the long list of repairs, their real estate agent could suggest that another, better offer is in their horizon (without all the work). Don’t let these minor flaws risk the closing of your home.
Items You Plan to Demo
Repairs only lengthen the escrow process, so if you plan on renovating a part of the home with cracked tile or loose baseboard, don’t add them to the repair list. However, do ask your real estate agent to negotiate with the seller to give you an extra credit for those repairs. This way, you’re left with extra money for those renovations when you decide to make them.
Buying a home is an exciting process, and while these repairs may be necessary to complete your dream home vision, handling them post-closing helps expedite the process and ensure you get the keys.
Get started on finding your perfect Havasu home by calling Lake Havasu City’s Top Real Estate Agent Brenda Fischer at 928-486-37315 or emailing her at [email protected]