Seller countered home inspection addendum--now what?

[Anonymous]

Just heard back from the seller on our home inspection addendum. We asked for a chunk of money ($10,000) to repair/replace some things. Seller is refusing to provide any money. Agent wants to go back and counter one time. DH is concerned we will piss off the seller and they will pull the plug on the contract. I figure it can't hurt to go back one time. We won't walk if they refuse again, but a few thousand would certainly help in dealing with some of the repairs (roof, HVAC, etc.). Will process further with agent in the morning, but just wanted to get some thoughts.

[Anonymous]

You sound greedy.

[Anonymous]

depending on the amount of offers and pricing it could go either way. You are basically asking for a 10k reduction in price, which is a lot IMO. Depending on the price point I think that bank may not approve that much money back.

[Anonymous]

Wouldn't piss me off. I would just hold firm if I weren't concerned you might walk. As long as your offer is reasonable, go for it.

[Anonymous]

Depends on the market. Has the house been sitting before you put an offer in? If there are tons of other potential buyers, and you love the house, I'd probably not counter.

[Anonymous]

When I sold my townhouse, my buyer initially asked me to replace every window in the house. I thought that was ridiculous and said no, as all windows were in good working order and none had broken seals or other cosmetic issues. They then asked for me to replace two windows and a sliding glass door, which was a bit under $2K, and I said fine. I wanted the deal to go through and hated the idea of the house having been off the market and then going back on. So I agreed to that. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

What are the issues? Are things actually broken, or just not ideal? And did you have a home inspection contingency or a general inspection contingency?

[Anonymous]

OP, it can't hurt to ask. At the very least, the seller might give you a few thousand dollars. We had a similar situation when we bought our house in 2010. Inspection found a list of some code issues, other items that were done improperly, potential drainage issues in backyard. We ended up getting $7,000 back from the seller which worked for us, although the market was different then.

[Anonymous]

That's a huge request. What, specifically is it for, item by item and cost by cost?

I'd probably say the same thing as seller unless it's major items that should be clearly apparent to seller objectively, as opposed to an overly aggressive try by buyer.

We had that happen at our last closing. Buyer's agent dumped a request at closing for $4k on the table. We told her no. After some tense conversation including blatantly ignoring her and talking directly to the buyer about how her agent was about to kill the deal, we offered $900 or we walk and sale is off. Buyer realized agent was killing her and accepted.

Really have to know the specifics of this situation to know how reasonable, or not, one or both are being.

[Anonymous]

You don't say what you are asking for (other than money). Is it to repair or replace things that weren't apparent until the inspection? For example, the inspection uncovered an electrical problem that the average buyer wouldn't know about. That's more reasonable than the roof is old and nearing it's useful life or the furnace is old. Both of those are things you could easily have figured out before you made the offer and are reflected in the negotiated price.

Are you trying to get every single thing on the inspection report paid for? If so, perhaps you should look at new construction because no house is without flaws.

I would look at what you are asking for and try to see it from the seller's perspective. If you think your being fair and not difficult, take another run asking for slightly less. If not, I'd just buy it. You agreed to that price already.

[Anonymous]

OP here. We have a home inspection contingency. Covers: HVAC which has a cracked pan, new roof on addition, replacing some cracked windows that are causing moisture in basement, re-grading landscaping to direct water away from property. We really are not trying to be overly aggressive. Bunch of other stuff popped up that we understand is just part of owning a house. Again, not trying to kill this deal. Would just like some funds to help offset the costs of these repairs/replacements. Appreciate the advice people are giving. Hard to stay objective when you're in the middle of this.

[Anonymous]

Greedy lady

[Anonymous]

Again, what's wrong with the roof on the addition? Is it leaking, or just nearing the end of its useful life? HVAC and window requests are reasonable, regrading is not.

[Anonymous]

You are being overly aggressive particularly expecting a seller to replace a roof. You should have seen all of these problems when you looked at the house? Did you offer a lower price for the house or was it a competitive situation and you decided to ignore the items? Why think they are now important?

[Anonymous]

surprised you didn't ask for 400k back, 10k is a lot