Ideally, you will have your new California home inspected prior to completing the purchase process. If major issues are discovered during the inspection, you have the right to ask the seller to help pay to fix them. Generally speaking, the seller will be amenable to some sort of compromise as it may make it easier to transfer ownership in a timely manner.
Does the problem create a safety hazard?
A seller is more likely to agree to help pay for repairs that eliminate safety hazards within the home. For instance, if the roof is leaking, it’s unlikely that you’ll be required to pay the full cost of repairing or replacing that component. The same is typically true of cracks in the foundation, electrical issues or any other problems that may have been the result of construction defects. It’s also possible that the current owner will agree to make cosmetic changes if he or she is desperate to get rid of the property.
Market conditions may influence the terms of any compromise made
If a home has been on the market for several weeks or months, a seller may be more likely to agree to your demands. However, if the house has received several offers the first day it went on the market, you may have to choose between buying a defective home or continuing the search for your dream property.
As a general rule, you are responsible for any issues a home may have once you become its legal owner. Therefore, it’s generally in your best interest to make sure that you know as much about the house as possible before taking possession of it. Your real estate agent may be able to provide more information about obtaining credits or concessions from a seller.
