The purpose of home inspections is to find all the issues with a home, so you can make an educated decision about how to proceed with the purchase. Because the roof is one of the largest and most expensive home systems, you should review the report carefully and analyze any problems your inspector found.

What Are Your Options?

The two major options are to walk away from the deal or to move forward with it. It may be wise to walk away if the seller is unwilling to work with you in addressing the problems, if the problem with the roof has caused extensive water damage throughout the home, or if you’re buying with a loan that may not permit the large-scale repairs in escrow. This is common with FHA and VA loans.

If you choose to move forward with the deal, you have a few options on how to do so. You can ask the seller to complete the repairs or re-roof while you are in escrow. You can ask for a credit to have the work done yourself after you take possession of the home. You could also choose to continue the escrow without negotiating.

How Can You Move Forward With the Deal?

You may choose to overlook the problems if they are relatively minor, and you don’t have a lot of leverage in the deal; if you want the home badly, for example, and know that the seller has backup buyers, you may not negotiate.

If you do choose to negotiate, you can use your home inspection for leverage. If you have put in a strong offer – such as all cash and full list price – you might get the seller to handle all the repairs.

If you are going to ask for a credit, get an estimate for the cost of repairs first. You may ask for a full or partial credit, depending on the strength of your offer and the home’s price in relation to the market. If you’re getting a good deal on the house, for example, the seller likely already considered the home’s condition in their pricing.

The professionals at Prior to Purchase Inspection Services, LLC offer certified home inspections for your purchase in the greater Cincinnati, OH, area. Their detailed reports include photos and visual aids to clearly outline the house’s condition. Learn more on their website and call (859) 802-8561 to schedule a home inspection.