Are you wondering what the seller is responsible for when you buy their house? In this video, we explain what factors determine if the seller will fix any issues with their house. We also provide answers to common questions like…
- What are the legal responsibilities of the seller and the buyer during a real estate transaction?
- How does the home inspection report affect the negotiation between the parties?
- Can the buyer request repairs to be made before purchasing the house?
- Who pays for any repairs that need to be made?
Will The Home Seller Fix Any Issues With The Home?
Are you a home buyer wondering, “Will the home seller fix any issues with the home?” When you’re looking to purchase a home, knowing whether you’ll also be responsible for repairs is a key concern.
After all, repairs can be expensive and you’ll need to factor them into your budget if you want to find a home you can afford.
In this post, our realtors at Your Home Sold Guaranteed Realty - Phil Aitken Home Team will answer the question: “Will the home seller fix any issues with the home?” We’ll also cover other questions related to the seller’s responsibilities regarding repairing their property before sale.
Is The Seller Responsible For Any Repairs After Closing?
The exact responsibilities of the seller can vary depending on the city or county you’re located in, so be sure to consult with your realtor.
But normally, the seller does not have to take care of any repairs after the transaction is finalized and closed. The only exception to this is if you and the seller agreed on terms in the sales contract that specified the seller will take care of repairs after closing.
Another circumstance where this might happen is if the home seller offered a warranty for a particular aspect of their home, like the roof, appliances, or structural elements. If an item covered by the seller’s warranty breaks down, then the seller may be responsible for fixing them.
Does The Seller Have to Fix Repairs After a Home Inspection?
The home seller does not necessarily have to fix repairs after a home inspection. Instead, if the home inspection turns up any issues, it can be used as a point of negotiation between you and the seller. You can then negotiate for the home seller to cover the repairs themselves or lower their asking price to compensate for the cost.
Who is Liable If Defects Are Found After a Home Inspection?
Home sellers can be found liable if they knew about defects in the home and did not disclose them to the buyer. If these defects are uncovered during the home inspection and it’s found that the seller knew about them, you may be able to take legal action against them.
If the home seller was not aware of the defects, you can use them as a point of negotiation to get the seller to pay for the cost or lower the home’s asking price.
The home inspector can also be found liable if there’s a defect they reasonably should have been able to uncover during the inspection. If this situation happens, the inspector can be found legally responsible on the basis of professional negligence.
Will The Home Seller Fix Any Issues With The Home Before Selling?
The home seller does not have to fix things in the house before selling it. Sellers can choose to sell their homes as-is, meaning as the buyer, you’ll be responsible for repairing and renovating the home.
If the seller chooses to do this, they must disclose all of the defects and necessary repairs that the home needs. Otherwise, they could face legal repercussions.
Can You Ask For a Price Reduction If Issues Are Found After Inspection?
Yes, you can ask for a price reduction if issues are found after the home inspection. Requesting a lower asking price is one way to compensate for the cost of repairs or to account for the decreased value of the property due to the defects. In some cases, sellers may opt to make the repairs themselves instead of reducing the price.
It is advisable for you to work closely with your buyer’s agent or attorney to navigate the negotiation process and ensure your interests are protected.
Buy a Home Confidently With Our Jacksonville Realtors
Discover your ideal home in Jacksonville with Your Home Sold Guaranteed Realty - Phil Aitken Home Team. Our team of accomplished realtors has an extensive track record in the Jacksonville, Florida area. Over the years, we’ve garnered many five-star reviews from satisfied buyers who were able to get their dream homes for the best possible price.
Clients appreciate our commitment to delivering fantastic customer service, exceptional negotiation skills, and exclusive buyer guarantees.
One of these guarantees is our Buy it Back Guarantee, which serves as a risk-free insurance policy when purchasing your new home. This program allows you to return the home to us within a specified time frame if you realize it doesn’t meet your needs. Then, we will sell it for you at no additional charge.
To learn more about our guarantees or about working with our team, call (904) 544-5252. Alternatively, you can fill out the form on this page to receive more information.
