If you’re thinking about buying a house, have it inspected before you commit to a deal. A professional inspection can uncover serious problems that could affect the structural integrity and safety of the house. If the inspector notes problems, you’ll have to decide whether to ask the seller to make repairs first, agree to buy the house as-is (maybe for a reduced price), or walk away.
Problems the Seller Needs to Fix
You may want any issues that violate building codes to be repaired prior to the sale. If the inspection uncovers a damaged roof, a cracked foundation, plumbing or electrical problems, or mold, your mortgage lender may refuse to approve your loan until the issue is corrected. The seller will have to address the problem since it’s unlikely another buyer would want the house in that condition, or that a lender would approve a mortgage for anyone until the damage is fixed.
Repairs could hold up the sale for weeks or months, and you might prefer to walk away and find another house. A seller who has to pay thousands of dollars for repairs might raise the sale price to reflect the money spent to fix the house.
Other Options
Don’t automatically assume that the seller will fix everything that’s mentioned in the inspection report. In many cases, an inspector finds problems with a house that will need to be fixed at some point, but not necessarily immediately, or issues that could cause problems in the future, but aren’t problematic now. Cosmetic issues don’t need to be fixed as a condition of sale. State and local laws vary in terms of which problems need to be repaired prior to the sale of a house and which are up to the discretion and agreement of the buyer and seller.
If multiple buyers are interested in the house, one may be willing to purchase it as-is. If you’re the only prospective buyer and you’re concerned about the damage, but the problem wouldn’t prevent you from getting a mortgage, you may require the seller to make repairs or insist on a lower sale price so that you have extra money available to pay for the repairs yourself.
If the seller is unable or unwilling to make repairs, or if you just want to wrap up the deal quickly, you might be able to work out another arrangement. For example, the seller might be willing to leave behind appliances that weren’t originally intended to be sold with the house, or even offer to install new ones.
Make an Informed Decision
Before you agree to purchase a house, have it inspected so that you’re aware of any and all problems. This will enable you to decide whether to require the seller to make repairs, fix issues yourself in exchange for a discounted price, or move on and continue your search for the right house.
