A list of five repair requests buyers should avoid asking for.

If you’re going to buy a home, you should know that there are some repair requests that you shouldn’t make. Items on inspections come down to three categories: broken, cosmetic, and worn. Repairs that are unrelated to safety or aren’t expensive broken items are better left alone. 

Buying and selling a home requires negotiation. Once you have agreed to the terms of the sale, then the home inspection and subsequent requests for repair follow. Understanding which repairs are necessary and which may annoy the seller is important. That being said, there are five repair requests buyers should think twice about: 

1. Cosmetic issues. Unless the home is brand-new, normal wear and tear should be expected. This also means they should be a factor in the original price negotiations. Therefore, I recommend not asking about worn carpet or mismatched paint. 

2. Easily repaired items under $25. Home inspectors often have a list of a lot of these items, so don’t anger the seller by worrying about all of them. Again, if the repairs aren’t related to safety, it’s better to refrain from asking about them. 

“Repairs that aren’t related to safety are better left alone.”

3. Minor plumbing and electrical issues. Items such as an upside-down outlet or corrosion don’t need to be asked about unless they pose a safety concern. Such simple repairs are easily handled by a handyman or can be done yourself. 

4. Hairline fractures in the driveway or patio. Concrete expands and contracts naturally, so cracks will occur over time. These are minor and shouldn’t be listed as a request. However, if the breaks are over a quarter of an inch, it’s a prudent idea to have a structural inspection. Structural cracks are a whole new ballgame.

5. Repairs that were evident from the start. This would include landscaping or repairs to the fence and porch. Unless these are required to be fixed before loan approval, a better solution is to request a closing credit. This way, you get the same repair results but for a much cheaper price, and sellers are more likely to agree to this kind of credit. 

When you buy a house, there will be things that are right and some that are wrong, just know that the important things are the major systems. If you need any help navigating these negotiations, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can call me at (858) 455-9300. I would be happy to help you buy or sell your next home.