By Melissa Gissinger
If you're wondering what to do after a home inspection, you're not alone — it's one of the most pivotal moments in any Sarasota home purchase. I guide buyers through this stage all the time, and knowing how to handle repairs and negotiations can make or break your deal. You deserve to feel confident in the property you’re buying and in the decisions you're making along the way.
Key Takeaways
- Understand which repairs are reasonable to request.
- Prioritize issues that affect health, safety, or function.
- Use professional language and documentation in all negotiations.
- Stay flexible — the goal is to keep the deal moving forward.
Understanding the Inspection Report
Why This Step Sets the Tone for Negotiation
A home inspection in Sarasota reveals the property's condition — not just cosmetic issues, but the bones and systems of the home. Knowing what to do after a home inspection starts with interpreting the report correctly.
Key Things to Look For
- Major Safety Hazards
- Electrical issues, structural damage, or mold
- Roof and HVAC Concerns
- High-cost items that may need immediate replacement
- Plumbing or Sewer Problems
- Leaks, corrosion, or drainage issues that affect daily use
- Termite or Pest Findings
- Especially common in Florida’s warm climate
How to Decide Which Repairs to Request
What Deserves Attention vs. What Doesn’t
After reviewing your inspection, you’ll need to decide what’s worth asking the seller to fix — and what’s better to let go.
Best Practices for Making Your List
- Request Repairs for Major Defects
- Code violations, safety concerns, or broken systems
- Skip Cosmetic Flaws
- Paint, minor dents, or loose hardware aren’t deal breakers
- Use Licensed Contractor Estimates
- This gives weight to your requests and helps define costs
- Think About Long-Term Ownership
- Prioritize issues that could become worse over time
How to Make Repair Requests Strategically
Tips to Strengthen Your Negotiating Position
Knowing what to do after a home inspection means communicating clearly and professionally. You want to show that you’re serious, but not unreasonable.
Ways to Frame Your Request
- Use Inspection Language
- Reference specific findings directly from the report
- Request Repairs, Credits, or Price Reductions
- Decide whether you want the work done or the money to do it yourself
- Be Specific
- “Repair HVAC system per licensed technician’s evaluation” is clearer than “Fix AC”
- Stay Emotionally Neutral
- Keep your tone professional and focused on solutions
When to Push — and When to Let Go
How to Keep the Deal on Track
In Sarasota's competitive market, digging in too hard can backfire. Some sellers may have backup offers waiting — so it’s important to weigh your priorities.
Tips to Stay Flexible
- Rank Repairs by Importance
- Focus on what you truly can’t live without
- Know When to Walk Away
- If major issues arise and the seller won’t budge, be ready to exit
- Consider Asking for Closing Credits
- This lets you handle repairs after closing without delaying the timeline
- Keep the Big Picture in Mind
- Don’t lose a great home over small issues that can be fixed down the road
How I Help You Navigate Post-Inspection
What to Expect When You Work With Me
I walk all my Sarasota buyers through this exact process, step by step. You’ll never be left guessing what to do after a home inspection — I’ll help you review the report, prioritize concerns, and write strong, fair requests.
Support You Can Rely On
- Local Expertise
- I know which issues are common in Sarasota homes and how to address them
- Contract Knowledge
- I’ll make sure your negotiation rights are protected
- Professional Referrals
- If needed, I connect you with trusted local contractors for estimates or second opinions
- Clear Communication
- I handle outreach with the seller’s agent to keep things respectful and productive
FAQs
What Repairs Should I Always Ask For?
Focus on structural issues, safety hazards, and anything that affects core systems like HVAC, plumbing, or electrical.
Can a Deal Fall Through After a Home Inspection?
Yes — but with the right negotiation strategy and agent support, most repair concerns can be resolved without canceling the deal.
Should I Ask for Repairs or a Credit?
It depends. Credits give you control over the quality and timing of the work, while repairs may speed up your move-in timeline.
Contact Me Today
If you're unsure what to do after a home inspection, I’m here to guide you. From the initial walkthrough to final negotiations, I make sure your interests are protected at every step. Whether you're buying your first Sarasota home or your fifth, I’ll help you make confident, informed decisions.
Reach out to me at Melissa Gissinger, and let’s make your next home purchase smooth, successful, and stress-free.
Reach out to me at Melissa Gissinger, and let’s make your next home purchase smooth, successful, and stress-free.
