You’ve found the house. It checks most of the boxes. But there’s that funky smell in the basement, the appliances have seen better days, and you’re wondering: do I really have to fix all this myself?

Here’s the good news: you don’t. Negotiating repairs and upgrades is a totally normal part of buying a home, and when you know how to approach it, you can save yourself thousands of dollars—and a lot of stress. Let’s walk through how to do it confidently.

Start with a Professional Inspection (Don’t Skip This Step)

Every home has some wear and tear. Maybe it’s just nail holes in the walls, or maybe it’s something bigger—like hidden mold or electrical issues you can’t see.

This is why a home inspection contingency is non-negotiable in your offer. It gives you the power to:

• Take the time you need to get a thorough evaluation (usually a few days)
• Walk away with your deposit if serious problems emerge
• Build your negotiation case with professional documentation

Hire a licensed inspector—your real estate agent can recommend someone trusted. Yes, it costs around $343 on average, but think of it as insurance. Inspectors often catch expensive issues with plumbing, electricity, and roofing that could cost you way more down the road.

Pro tip: Your mortgage lender will also require appliances to be in working order before closing, which gives you extra leverage when asking the seller to fix things.

Make Your List and Prioritize

After the inspection, create a list of upgrades you want. Here’s the key: separate your deal-breakers from your nice-to-haves.

A leaky roof? That’s essential. Scuffed walls? That’s negotiable.

Once you’ve identified what matters most, get cost estimates from your agent or a contractor for each item. Knowing these numbers puts you in control—you’ll know exactly what you’re asking for and why.

Know Your Three Negotiation Paths

This is where it gets strategic. You typically have three ways to handle repairs and upgrades:

Option 1: Ask the seller to make repairs before closing
Best for: Major issues that affect daily living (like broken plumbing or structural problems). This ensures the work is done to code before you move in.

Option 2: Request seller credits at closing
Best for: Minor cosmetic issues or when you want to choose your own contractor. The seller gives you a credit at closing to cover the repair costs, and you handle it yourself. This also gives you flexibility—you can prioritize which upgrades matter most to you.

Option 3: Negotiate a lower purchase price
Best for: When you’re comfortable taking on repairs yourself or when the seller is resistant to credits or repairs.

The right choice depends on the specific work needed and your comfort level. And here’s something important: your real estate agent can be a huge asset here. Buyers who work with agents are about 55% more likely to get repairs and upgrades covered by the seller than those who don’t.

Close the Deal with Confidence

Negotiating repairs might feel uncomfortable at first, but remember: this is your biggest investment. You have every right to ask for what’s fair.

Whether you’re pushing for essential repairs, requesting seller credits, or negotiating price, you’re making a financially smart move. And with Piere helping you manage your finances along the way, you’ll be set up to handle whatever comes next—whether that’s closing costs, moving expenses, or building your home equity.

Your money should work for you, starting with this purchase.