What Fixes are Mandatory After a Home Inspection?

Author

HomeSmart

For more information about the author, click to view their website: Jude Creamer / HomeSmart

Posted on

Oct 20, 2023

Book/Edition

Florida - Sarasota, Bradenton & Charlotte Counties

As a seller, your to-do list is already pretty sizable by the time the home inspection comes around. As you can guess, the home inspection can be quite the point of contention for many real estate deals. If the inspection comes up with some problems, what fixes are mandatory after a home inspection? And, who is responsible for them?

What is the Seller Responsible for Fixing?

In reality, there is no such thing as a “mandatory” fix. Fixes can vary depending on where you live, the state of the market, the buyer’s lender and the contract negotiated between you and the buyer.

Inspections can turn up a list of issues. Some repairs may be deemed necessary to make a home habitable, while others may fall under purely “cosmetic” issues. An important factor in what’s mandatory comes from the buyer’s lender requirements. Buyers using FHA, VA or USDA loans each have particular requirements. Typically, the lender-required repairs will include anything that might affect living conditions.

Some of the most popular categories for fixes that are deemed necessary before move-in are any of the following that constitute as human health hazards or major structural risks:

  • Mold or Water Damage

  • Pest or Wildlife Infestation

  • Fire or Electrical Hazards

  • Toxic or Chemical Hazards

  • Structural Issues

  • Old or Damaged Roofing

Who Should Be Paying for Fixes?

Now, the question that is usually the root of problems after a home inspection is: Who has to pay for mandatory fixes?

As we mentioned before, it really comes down to a couple different factors like your negotiated contract and the state you live in. For example, “as-is” contracts in Florida result in the buyer accepting the property in its current condition, meaning they accept all financial responsibility for those fixes.

In most cases, as a seller, you would pay for repairs involving any major issues with the structure. At least learn more about what these repairs involve so you can discuss them with a buyer. There are a few ways to appease a buyer without taking on the responsibility for all the requested repairs.

  1. Offer some appliances that you planned on parting with as compensation for particular repairs (ex. Washer and dryer, refrigerator)

  2. If there are five recommended repairs, offer to complete two of the requests or give credit for the three

  3. In the same event, you could offer to complete two of the requests and give credit for the three

The bottom line is: all repairs are negotiable. As a seller, it’s important to disclose all known issues in good faith and work with the buyer during the inspection process. Make sure you work closely with your real estate agent and attorney to figure out the best option when the time comes.

If you’re looking for a real estate agent to help you sell your home, HomeSmart has the nearly 20,000 local experts to choose from. Our agents will look out for your best interest and make sure you get the best offer for your home with a speedy and streamlined closing process. Our team is equipped with the proper tools and resources to get your home sold! Find your agent today!

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Local Services By This Author

Jude Creamer / HomeSmart

Real Estate , , Florida,

Empathetic Support for Out-of-State FamiliesNavigating the complexities of transitioning a loved one to assisted or independent living from afar can be daunting. As someone who has faced similar challenges firsthand, I understand the emotional and logistical hurdles, particularly when it comes to managing the sale of your parents' home. Your Trusted Local Ally: Providing Care and GuidanceI'm Jude Creamer, and I offer a holistic solution tailored to ease the burden of handling real estate transactions from a distance. Based locally in Bradenton and Sarasota, I provide the compassionate support and professional expertise needed to ensure a seamless transition for you and your family. With my personal insight and a dedicated team, we'll prepare the property for sale and oversee the entire process with meticulous attention to detail. Peace of Mind, Even from AfarRecognizing the challenges of managing estate affairs remotely, I offer a comprehensive service that relieves the stress of long-distance property management. You can trust that I'll manage every aspect of the sale process diligently, allowing you to focus on other priorities while knowing your loved one's home is in capable hands. Support Every Step of the WayFrom arranging necessary repairs to staging the property for maximum appeal, my team and I handle every aspect of the sale with professionalism and care. Understanding that distance can pose limitations, I strive to provide personalized support that aligns with your family's needs and preferences. Methodical and Effective ExecutionNavigating estate transactions requires a systematic approach, and I'm equipped with the resources and expertise to ensure a smooth and efficient process. With a deep understanding of the local market and industry dynamics, I work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for you and your family. Schedule a Consultation TodayWhen you're ready to entrust the sale of your parent's home to a compassionate and dedicated professional, don't hesitate to reach out. Let's collaborate to make this transition as seamless as possible, allowing you to focus on ensuring your loved one's new living situation is optimal for their next chapter.

Jude Creamer / HomeSmart

Senior Transition Services , , Florida,

Empathetic Support for Out-of-State FamiliesNavigating the complexities of transitioning a loved one to assisted or independent living from afar can be daunting. As someone who has faced similar challenges firsthand, I understand the emotional and logistical hurdles, particularly when it comes to managing the sale of your parents' home. Your Trusted Local Ally: Providing Care and GuidanceI'm Jude Creamer, and I offer a holistic solution tailored to ease the burden of handling real estate transactions from a distance. Based locally in Bradenton and Sarasota, I provide the compassionate support and professional expertise needed to ensure a seamless transition for you and your family. With my personal insight and a dedicated team, we'll prepare the property for sale and oversee the entire process with meticulous attention to detail. Peace of Mind, Even from AfarRecognizing the challenges of managing estate affairs remotely, I offer a comprehensive service that relieves the stress of long-distance property management. You can trust that I'll manage every aspect of the sale process diligently, allowing you to focus on other priorities while knowing your loved one's home is in capable hands. Support Every Step of the WayFrom arranging necessary repairs to staging the property for maximum appeal, my team and I handle every aspect of the sale with professionalism and care. Understanding that distance can pose limitations, I strive to provide personalized support that aligns with your family's needs and preferences. Methodical and Effective ExecutionNavigating estate transactions requires a systematic approach, and I'm equipped with the resources and expertise to ensure a smooth and efficient process. With a deep understanding of the local market and industry dynamics, I work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for you and your family. Schedule a Consultation TodayWhen you're ready to entrust the sale of your parent's home to a compassionate and dedicated professional, don't hesitate to reach out. Let's collaborate to make this transition as seamless as possible, allowing you to focus on ensuring your loved one's new living situation is optimal for their next chapter.

Jude Creamer / HomeSmart

Transition Specialists , , Florida,

Empathetic Support for Out-of-State FamiliesNavigating the complexities of transitioning a loved one to assisted or independent living from afar can be daunting. As someone who has faced similar challenges firsthand, I understand the emotional and logistical hurdles, particularly when it comes to managing the sale of your parents' home. Your Trusted Local Ally: Providing Care and GuidanceI'm Jude Creamer, and I offer a holistic solution tailored to ease the burden of handling real estate transactions from a distance. Based locally in Bradenton and Sarasota, I provide the compassionate support and professional expertise needed to ensure a seamless transition for you and your family. With my personal insight and a dedicated team, we'll prepare the property for sale and oversee the entire process with meticulous attention to detail. Peace of Mind, Even from AfarRecognizing the challenges of managing estate affairs remotely, I offer a comprehensive service that relieves the stress of long-distance property management. You can trust that I'll manage every aspect of the sale process diligently, allowing you to focus on other priorities while knowing your loved one's home is in capable hands. Support Every Step of the WayFrom arranging necessary repairs to staging the property for maximum appeal, my team and I handle every aspect of the sale with professionalism and care. Understanding that distance can pose limitations, I strive to provide personalized support that aligns with your family's needs and preferences. Methodical and Effective ExecutionNavigating estate transactions requires a systematic approach, and I'm equipped with the resources and expertise to ensure a smooth and efficient process. With a deep understanding of the local market and industry dynamics, I work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for you and your family. Schedule a Consultation TodayWhen you're ready to entrust the sale of your parent's home to a compassionate and dedicated professional, don't hesitate to reach out. Let's collaborate to make this transition as seamless as possible, allowing you to focus on ensuring your loved one's new living situation is optimal for their next chapter.