Resolving Repair Issues in a Home Sale

A contract's home inspection contingency clause can be crucial

Home seller fixing light fixture as requested in his home sale
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Most real estate sales contracts include home inspection contingencies—clauses that clearly state both the buyer's and the seller's options if problems with the property are discovered during the home inspection. Understanding the inspection contingency clause is crucial, because it forms the legal and binding basis for resolving repair issues so the sale can close.

A Sample Contingency Clause

Contingency clauses can be customized, but the language is usually standard boilerplate, consistent with any state laws and regulations. This clause is widely used in North Carolina. The wording can vary from state to state, but the substance is typical: 

"13. (c) Pursuant to any inspections in (a) and or (b) above, if any repairs are necessary, Seller shall have the option of completing them or refusing to complete them. If Seller elects not to complete the repairs, then Buyer shall have the option of accepting the Property in its present condition or terminating this contract, in which case all earnest monies shall be refunded. Unless otherwise stated herein, any items not covered by (a)(i), (a)(ii), (a)(iii), and (b) above are excluded from repair negotiations under this contract."

This contingency clause spells out the rights and responsibilities of both parties. The seller can elect to repair problems found by the buyer, or they can pass on the option to do so. The buyer can elect to take the home anyway or cancel the transaction.

The paragraphs cited at the end of a contingency clause typically refer back to the home inspection itself, dictating what items are expected to be working properly at closing and describing particular types of damages.

A separate addendum or attachment can be used to establish details of any repair agreement that might be reached between the buyer and the seller.

What If the Seller Won't Make Repairs?

It's often in the seller's best interests to negotiate and make repairs unless the buyer makes unrealistic demands. Otherwise, an issue becomes a material fact that the seller must disclose to all future potential buyers after it's been uncovered by an inspection. It can't be concealed by canceling this deal and relisting the house.

Sellers might think they can relist and increase the price of the house to cover the repair cost, but that strategy doesn't usually work if the house is already priced correctly. An overpriced house sits on the market instead of selling.

Issues noted on an inspection might throw up a red flag for the buyer's lender as well. Such problems might cause the lender to ask for a more detailed structural inspection to verify that the house has no further underlying problems. The bank might refuse to finalize the loan until any repairs are made.

Repairs After Closing

Repairs to be made after closing can happen in one of several ways:

  • The seller gives the buyer a lump sum at closing to cover the cost of repairs, which the buyer agrees to carry out.
  • The seller prepays a contractor to do the work.
  • A portion of the seller's proceeds can be held in trust after closing and used to pay for repairs. The amount is usually computed at 1.5 times the estimated cost.

The method used generally depends on the complexity of the repairs. Simple items that won't take much time and have easily identifiable repair costs could probably be covered with a lump sum. Extensive repairs often uncover more issues as they progress and nearly always cost more than anticipated.

Scheduling Repairs

Repairs can be made before or after closing. The buyer should take their home inspector back for a recheck as soon as possible if the seller makes repairs before closing. Don't wait for the final walkthrough.

The home inspector might charge an additional fee for going back a second time, but it's almost always worth it. You don't want to find out the day before closing that repairs have been done poorly, or not made at all.

The Bottom Line

Buyers should delay as many closing costs as possible until repair issues are known and resolved. Why spend money on a title search, survey, and other expenses until you know the house will be yours? Get your inspections out of the way early so you can negotiate repair issues and get on with the business of consummating the sale.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are the sellers of a house liable for repairs after the closing?

Generally, you can't hold a seller liable after closing for repairs related to any issues they disclosed or that came up in the inspection. Your inspection contingency allows you to negotiate these repairs before closing, but once the sale has closed, that opportunity has passed. However, if you discover a problem after closing that you think the seller should have disclosed, you may have grounds to request repairs or pursue legal action.

How long does seller have to make repairs?

Your home inspection contingency should have a specified time frame for you to request repairs from the seller. Usually, you'll have between five and ten business days to deliberate, request any additional inspections, and make your request. The seller will then have to make repairs before you do your final walkthrough.

What fixes are mandatory after a home inspection?

Specific repair requirements vary by state and lender, but they often include significant structural issues, safety concerns, serious issues with the electrical system or plumbing, or other similar concerns. In some cases, a buyer's insurance company may require certain repairs before it will underwrite the new policy.

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Sources
The Balance uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Housing Authority of Winston-Salem. “Offer to Purchase And Contract,” Page 3.

  2. HG.org. “Disclosure Duties in Real Estate Sales, and Liability for Real Estate Fraud and Undisclosed Defects.”.

  3. Quicken Loans. “What Is an Escrow Holdback?

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