Robyn Scharlach - THE HOME BUYER’S GUIDE

repair costs and plan how you fix your new home should you decide to move forward after the inspection. However, even if a seller says a home is as-is, you DO have a right to inspect and you CAN ask for repairs or an allowance. The seller does not have to agree, but you can always ask. The goal of the inspection and the request for repairs should be to make sure the home is structurally sound and safe for the inhabitants. It is not the industry standard to ask for cosmetic items such as paint, caulk, door sweeps/gaskets, sheetrock dings, etc. Your main goal is to make sure the structural, electrical, HVAC, and plumbing systems are in order and that there are no fire or safety hazards.

WHEN TO WALK AWAY

Professionals say you should cancel the deal if you can’t buy the house you want, on the conditions that you want, and for the money that you have. In a buyer’s market, the seller will likely negotiate on minor repairs disclosed by an inspection long before the thought to walk away hits you. However, some repairs are just not worth it. If the problem that the homeowner refuses to fix or pay for is dangerous and you can’t fix it, then it may be time to walk away. If the problem is something you need to fix soon, but it is too expensive for you, walk away. If the issue is likely to cause a chain of other problems, and it is hard to estimate how much it will cost, walk away. I do have an optional report that you can get where a company reviews the inspection report and gives a price range for the potential repair based on local market pricing. Consider the pros and cons carefully, and listen to your inspectors and your real estate team’s advice. They are usually more experienced and may explain to you the advantages and

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