Once a home sale is under contract, how repairs are handled can determine whether the deal closes successfully.

Both buyers and sellers need to approach this phase with clarity, communication, and a sense of responsibility.

Once an offer is accepted, the buyer typically schedules a home inspection.

Many latent defects emerge during inspection, which often triggers the buyer’s request for repairs or monetary concessions.

How the seller responds to these requests can significantly affect the closing timeline and the overall satisfaction of both parties.

Begin by thoroughly examining the inspection findings.

Don’t let frustration or defensiveness cloud your judgment—assess each item with a level head.

Not every item listed requires immediate attention.

Prioritize repairs that affect structural integrity, safety compliance, or essential home systems—like roofing leaks, electrical hazards, or nonfunctional HVAC.

Items like faded walls, worn carpeting, or non-critical appliance glitches are frequently settled via seller credits instead of physical fixes.

The seller ought to seek an independent evaluation from a qualified professional to verify the scope and pricing of the requested work.

This step safeguards against paying more than needed for repairs that might be exaggerated or easily fixed affordably.

If the buyer requests a repair that seems excessive or unrelated to safety, it is reasonable to propose an alternative solution, such as offering a credit toward the buyer’s closing costs or allowing them to handle the repair after closing.

Effective and ongoing communication is the backbone of a smooth repair process.

The seller’s agent plays a crucial role in facilitating clear exchange between the two sides.

Verbal understandings are not enough—everything must be recorded in signed documentation.

Verbal promises are not legally binding and can lead to misunderstandings later.

The written agreement must clearly define: the repair tasks, the responsible party, the completion window, and how compliance will be confirmed.

Timing is another crucial factor.

Repairs must be booked quickly to stay on track for the closing date.

Buyers frequently face inflexible timelines because of financing closures or job relocations.

Proactively schedule tradespeople and order parts weeks before work is due to prevent bottlenecks.

Even a short repair delay can result in costly extensions or the buyer walking away entirely.

Once repairs are completed, the seller should provide proof of work done.

after images are highly recommended.

Some buyers may request a final walkthrough to verify that all agreed-upon repairs have been completed satisfactorily.

Coordinate the walkthrough thoughtfully and ensure it proceeds in a respectful, organized manner.

Any oversight or quality issue discovered during the walkthrough requires prompt, cooperative resolution.

Failure to satisfy repair requests can lead the buyer to cancel the sale without penalty.

Being proactive—rather than reactive—is the best strategy to preserve the deal.

Adding a First-time home seller Peterborough warranty or making small improvements—like fresh paint or new fixtures—can build goodwill.

A thoughtful, generous approach can turn a tense negotiation into a seamless closing experience.

The primary aim should be a clean, stress-free close that balances fairness with practicality.

Being transparent, reasonable, and responsive throughout the repair process builds trust and reduces conflict.

Selling "as-is" doesn’t absolve the seller from addressing life-threatening or system-critical defects.

Failing to do so can lead to legal liability or a failed transaction, which could result in the home going back on the market and potentially losing value.

Managing repairs after a sale is under contract is not just about fixing things—it is about managing expectations, maintaining integrity, and ensuring a seamless transition for everyone involved.

A thoughtful, professional repair process transforms a common hurdle into a powerful signal of the seller’s reliability and fairness.