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When you're buying a new house, ordering a home inspection can help you in two ways financially. First, it alerts you if the property needs substantial repairs, so that you can ask the seller to address them or look for something that is more move-in ready. Alternatively, it can help you negotiate a lower price for the home. The guide below explains how to harness this bargaining power.

How to Use a Home Inspection Report for Leverage

Negotiate the Repairs

You can choose to make any issues the home inspector finds a condition for the sale. For example, ask the owner to address the leaking roof before signing. This strategy won't affect the price, but it will give you peace of mind knowing that all major aspects of the home have been checked out and their problems resolved.

Home inspectionsAsk for Credit

Another bargaining technique is to ask the seller to lower the purchase price to account for the cost of home repairs you'll inherit upon purchase. Never shrug off this information, even if the damage is something that does not concern you. For instance, if the inspector discovers problems with the chimney liner, use that information to negotiate a lower price whether or not you intend to use the fireplace.

Weigh the Benefits

Although a home inspection may provide some leverage, you have to be willing to walk away from the deal if the seller refuses to negotiate. Therefore, if you've already fallen in love with the house and couldn't bear to miss this buying opportunity, don't try to have every carpet tear and paint "ding" repaired or the seller may move on to other buyers. Hardball often only works when you're dealing with highly motivated sellers.


To find out what you're getting into when buying a new home—and to give yourself some additional bargaining power—contact Twin City Home Inspections in Texarkana, TX. They've been serving customers in Texas and parts of Arkansas since 2007 with building inspections that offer clarity and peace of mind. Visit their website to submit a question online or call (903) 276-9566 to speak to a friendly, experienced home inspector.

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