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Seller refusing inspection repairs - walk away or push back?

real estatehome buyinginspection
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Marin_Pro
Joined:
19.02.2025
Posts: 1229
Topic Starter
23.03.2025 06:35
We just got our inspection report back and there are a few significant issues with the foundation and the roof. We asked the sellers to either fix these items or provide a credit at closing, but they flatly refused to do anything. We really love the neighborhood and the layout of the house, but I'm worried about the long-term costs of these repairs. Is it worth walking away now, or should we try to negotiate one last time? I'm feeling pretty stuck and would appreciate any advice from people who have been in this situation.
13 replies in this topic
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Yulia_M
Joined:
29.12.2020
Posts: 678
23.05.2025 06:09
Foundation issues are a massive red flag. Walk away now before you get stuck with a money pit.
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Stefan_W
Joined:
21.01.2025
Posts: 691
29.06.2025 07:18
In reply to a previous post
I agree with the first comment. Foundation and roof are the two most expensive things to fix. If they won't budge, they probably already know it's bad and are hoping for a sucker.
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kamilo
Joined:
05.06.2020
Posts: 858
27.08.2025 18:06
Don't get emotionally attached to a house. It's just a building. If the numbers don't make sense, walk away.
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robert_d
Joined:
25.11.2021
Posts: 1655
23.09.2025 20:40
In reply to a previous post
Exactly. Love doesn't pay for a new roof or a stabilized foundation. Keep your money and find a property that isn't falling apart.
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Maya_L
Joined:
15.11.2021
Posts: 2361
15.10.2025 10:16
Have you considered getting a structural engineer out there? Sometimes general inspectors overstate foundation issues, and you might be able to use that info to force their hand.
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Hubo_K
Joined:
26.10.2022
Posts: 1089
28.11.2025 13:06
In reply to a previous post
I did that once! The engineer confirmed it was worse than the inspector thought, and the sellers still refused. Saved me thousands by walking away.
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Brayan_Z
Joined:
12.12.2022
Posts: 1947
18.12.2025 23:50
If you really love the house, maybe try to meet in the middle? Ask for a smaller credit or just pick the roof. If they say no again, you have your answer.
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GospodinNikoi
Joined:
28.03.2024
Posts: 1264
20.12.2025 21:25
In reply to a previous post
I wouldn't even offer a middle ground. If they refused flatly, they're likely not interested in negotiating in good faith. Don't waste your time.
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redoven
Joined:
07.10.2022
Posts: 1671
11.01.2026 17:40
Check your contract. Do you have an inspection contingency? If so, use it to get your earnest money back and run.
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Fabi_W
Joined:
24.08.2023
Posts: 1425
15.02.2026 21:33
In reply to a previous post
This is the best advice here. Just make sure you follow the timeline in your contract strictly so you don't forfeit your deposit.
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Znaesht
Joined:
13.08.2023
Posts: 632
04.03.2026 13:35
I once bought a house with 'minor' roof issues and it turned into a nightmare during the first storm. Don't underestimate how quickly those costs add up.
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Simeon_W
Joined:
27.02.2021
Posts: 353
07.03.2026 09:31
In reply to a previous post
Listen to the people telling you to walk away. You will find another house in that neighborhood that doesn't have these problems.
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iztrit_potrebitel
Joined:
10.07.2025
Posts: 1225
16.03.2026 04:57
The market is cooling down in a lot of areas. You have the leverage here. If they don't want to fix it, find a seller who actually wants to sell.

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