We are finally in an upwards RI real estate sales market and experiencing this forward trend over last year. So as part of every home sales 
transaction buyers have that opportunity to do a home inspection.
transaction buyers have that opportunity to do a home inspection. First, a home buyer needs to find the right home inspector. As an agent, if I am asked for recommendations I will give at least 3 to choose from and/or let the buyer do their own search. What comes out of the home inspection is what normally shakes (if there is going to be any shake) the foundation of a transaction when any of the four parties involved get 'stuck'. I am talking about the buyers agent and sellers agent and the buyers and sellers. Like one can not figure out what is a worthwhile request for a repair.
Negotiating the home repairs that are presented by the buyers to the sellers comes down to finesse in delivery many times. It is not a flat out 'go to go' carte blanche that sellers will do what is requested. If there is a deficiency to health, environment, home then serious talks between the parties need to occur, quotes received and some clear understanding of the consequences of not taking care of these issues. Like no sale!
Yet, I am finding that many buyers are supplying a laundry list of repairs on home items that have not happened to a home yet. Like the heating system is 15 years old so I want $5000 because it will die in a few years...these are not present deficiencies and really will be maintenance items to the buyer at a future point. Homes come with maintenance....that is a known fact. While buyers want to cover themselves for future maintenance costs, they are not a current deficiency. Do not expect to receive compensation to what is not evident now. Both parties need to be reasonable (yet, everyone always feel they are the reasonable ones!).
Sellers may be firm about negotiating on repairs because they have already come down on the price of their home, made other home repairs that would have come out of the home inspection and yet the buyers want more from them. Aaah, so where is the happy medium. It comes down to how much you want to sell your home...and how much you want to buy this home.
I say I can bring the two sides together but if I can not get the other side to hear the arguments and reach a happy agreement on repairs someone is saying farewell to this home deal. So life is a matter of give and take in so many ways....so take care in how you present what you must have in your home buy or home sale. It may be the best deal you ever get. So give more thought to your home inspection requests in the future.
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Ginny Lacey Gorman is your go to Rhode Island waterfront Realtor® RI real estate and beyond…knowing the geographic area, schools, happenings and important tidbits of local information. Email her at Ginny@RiHouseHunt.com to make an appointment to discuss your real estate needs.
Waterfront, oceanfront, luxury and coastal Rhode Island real estate are my specialty but all of RI is my backyard. When you are in need of a real estate professional and specialist for your buying, selling or relocating needs and an internet savvy Realtor® who sells RI houses in this real estate market call Ginny at 401.529.7849.
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