What Is Repair Request?
Repair Request: A buyer's written request, after inspection, for repairs, a credit or a lower price.
Also called: inspection response, request for repairs
A repair request is a written response to the home inspection, sent before your inspection contingency deadline. It asks the seller to fix specific items, give a credit or reduce the price.
What to ask for
Focus on:
- Safety problems: electrical hazards, gas leaks, missing smoke detectors
- Water: active leaks, drainage, roof failures
- Major systems near the end of their life: HVAC, water heater, roof
- Anything that would stop your loan, such as FHA or VA required repairs
Avoid long lists of small or cosmetic items. They can sour the negotiation.
Repairs or a credit?
A credit at closing lets you hire your own contractor and control quality. Lenders limit credits to your actual closing costs, so a price reduction is sometimes used instead.
Good to know
Get agreed repairs in a signed addendum, require licensed contractors and receipts, and check the work at the final walkthrough.