Are you Grinding too fine in terms of asking for home inspection repairs?
Here is my advice…
So you found the perfect condo, and you have had your home inspection. Now is the time to decide what you are going to ask the seller for some help in getting some repairs done. You are free to ask the seller for whatever you want. Go ahead…ask away. However, it may not be in your best interest to “Grind Fine”….
For instance, lets say the heater doesn’t work. Of course you are going to ask that the seller address this issue. Repair? Replace? Each case is going to be different. But should you ask the seller to perhaps Spackle nail holes in the wall here pictures were placed? Or how about asking the seller to scrub the grout lines on the bathroom floor? These may sound silly, but I have seen buyers ask for such minor fixes. I suggest to buyers that they focus on the bigger picture. Look at defects and shortcomings that may affect your perception of the value of the given condo you have “under agreement”.
If you buy a used car, you can expect the carpet to be less than BRAND NEW, and perhaps the trunk needs a new $12 floor liner. Maybe the windshield wipers need to be replaced. Oh, and that scratch on the front bumper? Included free of charge! 🙂 Would you ask a seller to repair these minor issues? Probably not. A little forgiveness can go a long way when it comes to Philadelphia real estate. Target the big ticket items, and let the bump and scratch issues go. A lot of these minor cosmetic items fall under what I call “Home Ownership 101” issues….and generally speaking, a seller will not respond favorably to your mini requests for compensation. So set your expectations for your new Philly condo realistically, and good luck!
Mark Wade
www.CenterCityCondos.com
Prudential Fox and Roach REALTORS®
530 Walnut St., Suite 260 Philadelphia, PA 19106
