After a buyer's inspection, you'll likely face repair requests. Here's how to think about them.
When to Make Repairs Yourself
• Safety issues: Electrical problems, gas leaks, structural concerns
• Simple fixes: A handyman can handle in a day
• Things that scare buyers: Active leaks, pest evidence
• When the fix is cheaper than perceived value: $500 repair that buyers think costs $2,000
When to Offer Credit Instead
• Buyer has strong preferences: They want to choose the contractor
• Cosmetic issues: Paint, flooring, fixtures
• Timing is tight: Repairs might delay closing
• Large projects: Where quality matters and buyer wants control
How Credits Work
A credit reduces what the buyer pays at closing. If they're buying at $900,000 with a $10,000 credit, they bring $10,000 less to closing.
Negotiation Tips
• Get repair quotes before responding
• Credits often cost you less than worst-case buyer estimates
• Some lenders limit credit amounts (usually 3% of purchase price)