A home inspection report full of red flags isn't automatically a deal-breaker — but it is a decision point. Here's how buyers typically respond.
Read the report in context
Not every finding is equal. A long list of minor cosmetic notes reads very differently from a single major structural or safety issue. Ask your inspector to walk you through which findings are truly significant versus routine.
Requesting repairs
You can ask the seller to complete specific repairs before closing. This is most appropriate for well-defined, verifiable items like a broken HVAC component or a leaking fixture, where the fix can be confirmed before you close.
Requesting a credit or price reduction
For larger or more subjective items, like an aging roof that's still functional, many buyers prefer a closing credit or price reduction over relying on the seller to complete the repair themselves. This also avoids disputes about repair quality after the fact.
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Walking away
If your purchase agreement includes an inspection contingency, a sufficiently serious finding — major foundation movement, significant mold, an unpermitted structural modification — may justify terminating the contract and recovering your earnest money, depending on your contract's specific terms.
Key takeaways
- Distinguish between minor cosmetic notes and genuinely significant findings before deciding how to respond.
- Well-defined, verifiable issues are good candidates for a repair request.
- Larger or subjective issues are often better resolved with a credit than a seller-completed repair.
- An inspection contingency can allow you to walk away from a contract over serious findings, depending on its terms.