Inspections, Appraisals and Buyer Requests: What Sellers Should Expect

Accepting an offer is an important milestone, but it is not the end of the sale. Depending on the contract and the buyer’s financing, the next phase may include inspections, repair discussions, appraisal, title work and other property-specific reviews.

Knowing what may happen helps you respond with less stress and better information.

The home inspection

A general inspection gives the buyer a broader understanding of the property’s condition. Inspectors commonly review visible components and systems, but the exact scope depends on the inspection agreement. Older homes will not be evaluated as if they were new, yet material concerns may still lead to questions or requests.

Specialized evaluations

Depending on the property, a buyer may consider septic, well-water, termite, moisture, chimney, roof, HVAC, structural or other specialized evaluations. Rural properties and homes with private systems often involve different questions than homes served by public utilities.

Repair requests are a negotiation

An inspection report is not automatically a seller’s repair list. The contract, property condition, market context and financing requirements all matter. Possible responses may include completing agreed repairs, offering a credit when permitted, adjusting terms or declining a request.

The appraisal

When the buyer uses financing, the lender may order an appraisal to evaluate whether the property supports the loan. The appraiser considers comparable sales and property characteristics. Good preparation includes making the home accessible and providing accurate information about relevant improvements.

Keep documents organized

Receipts, permits when applicable, service records, warranties, surveys and information about wells, septic systems or improvements can help answer questions. Do not create or guess at information you do not have; identify what can be verified.

Kelly’s tip: Try not to negotiate from the emotion of the report. First identify what the contract requires, what the buyer is requesting, what the item may cost and how each option affects your larger move.

Your agent and settlement professionals can help you understand the process, while qualified inspectors, contractors and other specialists should address technical questions.