If you are buying a home, there may be items or components that need repairs. Here are 5 things to know when asking the seller to do corrective work:
- Let the small stuff go. You may offend the seller by asking for everything and so get nothing. Also realize you may have a limited negotiating room. Don’t let easily corrected or unimportant stuff crowd out what really needs attention.
- Make the request clear and understandable. The more clearly the problem is described, the more likely the seller will do exactly what you ask. Vague language may lead to a misunderstanding. If referenced in an inspection report, the page/item should be specified. Then use “action words” such as “repair” or “replace”.
- Ensure contractor compliance. Make sure the seller understands that anything related to “health and safety” can not be done by a handyman and must be performed by a licensed contractor under Arizona law. That includes electrical and plumbing.
- Check the work. Verify the item has been completed. For work that requires a professional evaluation, your inspector can re-inspect at or before the walk through for a small charge.
- Get proof. Upon completion obtain receipts or invoices for all of the work done marked “paid”.
