When you’re in the midst of home buying, the temptation to ask for repairs can be overwhelming. But not all imperfections are worth battling over.
Asking the seller to fix minor, non-urgent issues can make you look unreasonable, complicate negotiations, and sometimes even push the deal off course. Let’s take a look at the eight things that, despite being bothersome, should be left for you to handle once the keys are in your hand.
Faded Lightbulbs and Worn Switch Plates
A flickering bulb or a scratched switch plate may not be the most glamorous home feature, but they certainly aren’t worth mentioning on your inspection repair list.
These are easily replaced by you on move-in day, and trying to get a seller to handle them can come across as petty, undermining the seriousness of your negotiation.
Sm Drywall Cracks
Cracks in drywall often appear as a normal result of a house settling over time. Unless the cracks are large, deep, or connected to a bigger structural issue, they are mostly cosmetic and not worth requesting the seller to repair.
Fixing them can result in a poor patch job that won’t stand the test of time, making it a task better suited for you after closing.
Scratches on Hardwood Floors
Small imperfections, such as scuff marks or minor scratches, in hardwood floors are practically inevitable. These are features of a home that has seen love and use, and they don’t need to hold up your buying process.
Refinishing the floors is an easy DIY project you can do when you’re ready to update, so it shouldn’t be something you ask the seller to handle.
Foggy Window Panes
Foggy windows are typically the result of a broken seal, and while they might affect the clarity of your view, they do not affect the window’s overall functionality.
Since repairing or replacing fogged windows can be an expensive endeavor, it’s better to address it when you decide to renovate, rather than burdening the seller with it.
Aging Appliances Still in Working Condition
Older appliances don’t always need to be replaced. If your potential new home’s stove, dishwasher, or fridge still works perfectly fine, it might be worth considering them as part of the charm of a well-lived-in home.
Pushing for new appliances could seem unreasonable and might end up costing you more in the long run.
Overgrown Landscaping
A few unruly bushes or a patchy lawn shouldn’t be the focus of your post-inspection negotiation.
Landscaping changes naturally due to weather and seasonal shifts, and unless the overgrowth is causing a structural issue (like damaging the foundation), it’s something that can be sorted once you settle in.
Worn Toilet Seats
A worn or stained toilet seat might not seem pleasant, but it’s hardly a dealbreaker. This is one of the easiest fixes you can handle yourself.
Replacing a toilet seat costs next to nothing, and asking the seller to do it just seems like an unnecessary hassle, especially when there are much more important items on the table.
Hairline Cracks in Concrete
Small cracks in your garage floor, driveway, or outdoor patio can be frustrating, but they are almost always superficial.
Concrete naturally shifts over time, and these cracks typically don’t indicate a structural issue. Asking for them to be fixed can result in an unsightly patch job, which may be even more noticeable than the cracks themselves.
