I’m a bundle of nerves whenever we get to this part of the home sales process. The request for repairs stage of the game. Working as a buyer’s agent, I’ve seen this scenario play out many time throughout my career. Here is a free request for repairs template example that you can use to help stay informed and save time. This will help keep you focused on serving your client. This repair request form/real estate template is designed to streamline the process and clarify what the home seller needs to address. Maybe you’re requesting a home inspection addendum or listing specific items; this request for repairs after home inspection can help you communicate clearly and effectively.
According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 65% of buyers who conducted a home inspection on new construction discovered issues, most of which were minor and did not impact closing. 24% reported that their home failed the initial inspection. Filling out a specific request for repairs inspection form is often part of the home inspection process. Repair requests can be straightforward, like addressing common repairs, or more specific, such as asking for fixes to major systems or the home’s structure. It’s important to strike a balance. Overly demanding requests or an unwillingness to negotiate could cause tension with the home seller or even risk losing the deal. Thoughtful and typically reasonable requests can result in a win-win situation for both parties.
This free template can help outline your priorities while protecting your top priority of securing your dream home without overspending on money or effort. If you’re looking to maximize your sales price, negotiate with the seller’s point of view in mind, or ensure you’re addressing the right issues discovered by your home inspector, then this template is a valuable resource. Download it to help coordinate your next real estate transaction, and be prepared to negotiate confidently as a savvy home buyer.
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Buyer’s Real Estate Request Repairs Resolution Example
Buying a home is an exciting milestone, but it often comes with its share of complexities. One common scenario many home buyers encounter is the need to address repairs discovered during the home inspection process. A Home inspection report can reveal potential issues with the home’s structure, safety concerns, or other conditions that might require attention before closing. To facilitate these negotiations, I’ve created a free Buyer’s request for repairs PDF form to help you save time and stay organized.
| Section | Details | Initials |
|---|---|---|
| PAYMENT FOR CORRECTIVE MEASURES | If payment for corrective measures related to the home inspection report is not made directly out of escrow, the SELLER agrees to provide proof of payment prior to Closing. The BUYER may inspect any repairs or corrective actions taken by the SELLER before closing. Neither the real estate agent nor brokers are responsible for completing or paying for any repairs. | _______ |
| REMAINING UNCORRECTED CONDITIONS | The BUYER agrees to accept any property defects or house conditions the SELLER has not agreed to repair. These conditions remain as they are, without further payment or corrections by the SELLER. The SELLER and their agents are released from liability related to these items. This section protects both parties and clarifies contract expectations during the home inspection process. | _______ |
| RESOLUTION AGREEMENT OPTIONS | Check one of the following options to determine how the inspection report findings are resolved (choose one): |
| ☐ The SELLER agrees to complete certain repairs as requested in the sample repair request letter or outlined in the original repair request form. | _______ |
| ☐ The BUYER and SELLER sign a Resolution Amendment to the purchase agreement, resolving the identified home repairs reasonably. | _______ |
| ☐ The BUYER agrees to accept the property in its current condition, with no further home repairs or corrections required from the SELLER. | _______ |
| REPAIR CREDIT OPTION | If a repair is not completed, the SELLER may offer a monetary credit to the BUYER. The amount of the repair credit will be applied toward closing costs to facilitate the resolution. Parties agree that this alternative supports both negotiation power and achieving the best deal. | _______ |
| MARKET CONDITIONS AND RISK | Depending on market conditions (*e.g., a seller’s market or buyer’s market***), the **parties agree that certain repair requests may be deemed reasonable requests or unreasonable requests. The BUYER acknowledges the risk of losing the opportunity to purchase their dream home if unreasonable demands are made. The SELLER, on the other hand, agrees to avoid dismissing reasonable buyer requests outright. | _______ |
| ADDITIONAL TERMS | (State additional concerns, such as safety concerns, seller refuses, or terms related to closing below.) | |
| ________________________________________________________________________ | ||
| ________________________________________________________________________ |
| BINDING AGREEMENT | This document becomes legally binding once signed by the BUYER, SELLER, or their respective agents. For unresolved disputes, legal counsel regarding legally required obligations is recommended. It is in the best interest of all parties to proceed in good faith to limit risk and ensure positive outcomes for the purchase of the new home. | _______ |
| SELLER SIGNATURES | ||
| Name (Printed): ______________________________ | ||
| Signature: ___________________________________ | Date: ___________________ | |
| Name (Printed): ______________________________ | ||
| Signature: ___________________________________ | Date: ___________________ |
| BUYER SIGNATURES | ||
| Name (Printed): ______________________________ | ||
| Signature: ___________________________________ | Date: ___________________ | |
| Name (Printed): ______________________________ | ||
| Signature: ___________________________________ | Date: ___________________ |
| BUYER’S ACCEPTANCE | If no agreement is reached, the BUYER agrees to accept the house in its current state with no further repairs required. This ensures the continuation of the purchase process and confirms the intention to move forward with the best interest of both parties in mind. Initial to confirm acceptance. | |
| BUYER Initials: _______ |
Notes
- Use this as an example or reference for addressing issues identified during the home inspection process.
- The keywords in this repairs form highlight factors that may arise during negotiations, particularly tied to home price adjustments, repair credit offers, and negotiation power.
- Always respond promptly to maintain momentum in the contract process.
- This document reflects flexibility depending on the market, reinforcing how risk and requests may vary depending on conditions.
Disclaimer
It’s crucial to remember that local real estate customs vary, and you should consult a local legal professional to ensure your request aligns with state laws and practices. This form/template is for informational purposes only.
Scripts and Tips for Communicating the Home Inspection Report
When communicating repair requests, it’s crucial to present the message respectfully to avoid creating anger or distrust. This approach ensures a smoother discussion about property defects while maintaining a collaborative tone between the home buyer, the home seller, and their real estate agents. Below are key examples to help structure your communication effectively.
Focus on Solutions, Not Flaws
Begin by referencing the inspection report and framing the issues as collaborative rather than critical. For example, you could write.
“After reviewing the inspection report with our home inspector, a few items regarding common repairs and safety concerns have come to our attention. We believe these adjustments are reasonable requests to ensure the home is safe and in good condition for future use.”
Propose Fixes or Alternatives Respectfully
Include potential solutions that acknowledge the seller’s position and offer flexibility. A good example might be.
“To help address a few items noted in the inspection, we’d like to propose fixes or consider a monetary credit toward closing costs. This would allow us to move forward with the purchase agreement in a way that reflects both parties’ interests.”
Express Common Ground and Shared Goals
Focus on shared objectives, such as securing the best deal and ensuring the dream home is mutually satisfactory. You might include a statement like this to foster trust and collaboration.
“We understand the challenges in discussions like these, particularly with varying market conditions such as a buyer’s market or seller’s market, which can impact outcomes. We are committed to working together to resolve these details so everyone feels confident proceeding with the agreement.”
Acknowledge Sensitivity and Build Trust
End your email or conversation on a positive note by reassuring the seller of your good intentions. You could write something like this.
“We appreciate your understanding as we address these items. Our goal is to ensure this is a smooth process for everyone, to which we’re confident we can agree on reasonable repair requests while respecting each other’s priorities.”
Break the message into clear and respectful segments so you can reduce the risk of creating tension and foster a cooperative environment where the home buyer, home seller, and their agents can work together effectively.
Check Back for Updates to My Repair Request Template for a Buyer’s Agent
We are always seeking to update our buyer’s repair resolution and request for repairs form. I believe that keeping your resources up-to-date is critical for securing the best deal and ensuring your top priority of protecting your client and/or property investment.
Our buyer’s repair request form is designed to help you address property defects highlighted in the inspection report, streamline communication with the home seller, and negotiate effectively for repairs or monetary credit. It’s helpful for handling home repairs and negotiating a fair sales price as well as protecting your best interest in the purchase agreement. Download this free template, it is built with flexibility in mind. We understand how important it is for a buyer to manage closing costs, align with the home inspector’s findings, and address reasonable requests without making unreasonable requests that might risk losing the property.
As real estate agents, we know how the market trends and conditions can change. It doesn’t matter if you’re working with a buyer’s agent or real estate agent, or trying to tackle common repairs on a new home, staying informed is crucial. Issues like safety concerns, home price, or the cost of fixes all demand a strategy tailored to your unique transaction. Keep your negotiation approach adaptable so you can work effectively with the seller and the other party involved to reach the right agreement.
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