Who is this series for?

🔹 First-time buyers who want a clear roadmap.
🔹Move-up buyers ready for or on the path to their dream home.
🔹Investors looking to get started with a smart strategy and are considering options.
🔹 Anyone who hates surprises and wants to be fully prepared for their Home Buying journey!

David Mercier introduces the ultimate home-buying guide, walking you through every step of the process, from pre-approval to move-in day!

1️⃣ Discuss Your Priorities with Your Agent

Before submitting your request for repairs, take time to strategize with your agent.

🔍 What Repairs Are Most Important?
Focus on critical issues like safety hazards, major systems (e.g., HVAC, plumbing), or significant structural concerns.

🎨 What Are You Willing to Let Go?
Minor cosmetic fixes or repairs under your budget might not be worth negotiating over.

⭐ Dream Homes Can Come True Club Members – I will will help you craft a realistic request that aligns with the market conditions and the seller’s willingness to negotiate.

2️⃣ Options for Addressing Repairs

Once you’ve submitted your request for repairs, here are the most common ways sellers might respond:

💸 Seller Credit
Sellers often prefer to offer a financial credit at closing rather than handle repairs themselves.

Why This Works: It allows the buyer to control the quality of the repairs after closing.
Limitations: The credit is typically equal to or less than the buyer’s closing costs—it can’t exceed those costs.

🏷️ Lowering the Purchase Price
Another option is to reduce the purchase price of the home by the cost of the repairs.

Why It’s Rare: While this sounds straightforward, it doesn’t help buyers who are tight on cash for immediate repairs.

🛠️ Seller Makes the Repairs
In some cases, sellers might agree to complete repairs before closing.

Why It’s Less Common: Sellers often prefer to avoid liability for repair quality.

⭐ Dream Homes Can Come True Club Members – Be prepared to prioritize a credit or price reduction over having the seller complete repairs. This puts the control in your hands post-closing.

3️⃣ The Negotiation Process

Negotiating the request for repairs can be a balancing act, but here’s how to approach it:

📎 Present a Well-Documented Request
Include photos, inspection findings, and specific repair estimates to justify your request.
Why It Helps: Sellers are more likely to cooperate if they see the request is reasonable and backed by facts.

🎯 Be Strategic
Focus on major, non-cosmetic issues to keep the negotiations productive.
Show flexibility by being open to credits instead of repairs.

🔁 Counteroffers Are Common
Sellers may push back on your request with a counteroffer. This could include agreeing to only some of the repairs or offering a smaller credit.

💡 Pro Tip: Stay focused on your priorities and work with your me to determine what’s worth pushing for and what’s not.

4️⃣ Tips for Success During the Request for Repairs Phase

🚫 Know Your Limits: Decide in advance what’s a dealbreaker for you.

🧘 Keep Emotions in Check: This is a business transaction, so try not to let emotions cloud your judgment.

🧑‍💼 Lean on Your ME: I’m your advocate and will guide you through the back-and-forth negotiations.

5️⃣ When to Walk Away

If the seller refuses to address major issues or negotiate reasonably, it’s okay to walk away. Before you do, consider the opportunity cost–if this is THE home for you, is it worth it to you to take on the cost of the repairs you’ll need to do to make the home livable? 

Why It’s Hard: You may feel emotionally attached to the home, but staying firm on your priorities protects your investment.
Why It’s Smart: Sometimes the right home is the one that comes along after a deal falls through.

Other factors to consider include: how much your desired repairs will cost you, how long you plan to stay in the home, and your financial situation. If you need help sorting out these numbers, let me know and we can work it out together!

⭐ Dream Homes Can Come True Club Members – This is why I’ve told you again and again that you want to see the possibility of love with the house, but not fall in love until the deal is done. 

You’re Take Away

The request for repairs phase is a critical part of the home-buying process, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. By focusing on major repairs, being open to seller credits, and relying on your agent’s expertise, you can navigate this phase with confidence.

Ready to tackle your next home purchase in Orange County or Long Beach? I’m David Mercier, and I’ll be with you every step of the way—reach out today! 🏡

Request for Repairs Guide