Purchase · 5 min read
What if the home inspection finds problems with the house?
October 21, 2026 · Written by Bill Egan, NMLS 7342
Short answer
You still control the next step. The inspection report lists what needs work, and your purchase contract usually gives you a short window to ask the seller for repairs, a credit, or a price cut. If the seller says no, you can cancel and get your earnest money back if the contingency is still open. We review the report with you so the loan file stays on track while you decide.
01
Why this comes up
A first-time buyer gets the inspection report and sees a long list of items. The fear is that the deal will fall apart or that hidden costs will appear after closing.
02
Where this goes wrong
The buyer waits too long to send the repair request, the contingency deadline passes, and the right to cancel is lost. Or the credit is agreed on but never written into the contract amendment the underwriter needs.
03
What we do about it
We read the inspection summary with you and note which items affect the appraisal or the loan. If a credit is negotiated, we make sure the amount is shown on the updated purchase agreement so the file matches what will happen at closing.
04
How to get ready
Schedule the inspection as soon as the offer is accepted. Read the report the day it arrives. Talk to your agent about the deadline and have any agreed changes written down before that date.