Home Inspection Negotiations in MA — Credits, Repairs, and Protecting the Deal

Home inspections are where the dream meets the details. The best inspection negotiations are calm, specific, and tied to real risk—not a giant list of cosmetic nitpicks that turns the seller defensive. If you’re working with a Massachusetts real estate lawyer for buyers, the goal is to protect you without derailing the transaction.

 

Start with the “big three”: safety, water, and major systems

 

The strongest asks are tied to:

• active leaks or water intrusion

• electrical hazards

• roof failure or structural concerns

• heating/hot water system issues

• health/safety items

If your property has a septic system, inspections can overlap with MA Title 5 septic inspection real estate Massachusetts requirements. That’s not just “nice to know”—it can become a closing condition or a negotiation point.

 

Repairs vs. credits: what actually works in Massachusetts

 

Buyers love the idea of repairs. Sellers love the idea of a credit. In real life, either can work—but you want a clean agreement.

• Credits give you control after closing.

• Repairs reduce immediate risk but can be rushed or done cheaply.

A good Massachusetts closing cost attorney or closing counsel will help you structure the agreement so the numbers and documentation are lender-compliant. Sometimes a repair/credit also intersects with escrow planning—this is where an MA escrow holdback agreement attorney can matter.

 

Keep the request “reasonable” and documented

 

If you want the best chance at agreement:

• highlight 3–7 key issues

• attach the relevant inspection pages

• include a contractor estimate when possible

• propose one clean solution (credit amount or repairs with scope)

Don’t forget the MA closing “gotchas”

 

Even when inspection items are handled, some MA items can still hold up a closing:

• the smoke and carbon monoxide certificate closing MA

• final water/sewer readings, if applicable

• title issues uncovered during the title search attorney Massachusetts review

• lender conditions tied to property condition

What sellers respond to best (even in a competitive market)

 

If the market is hot, your negotiation strategy changes. Many sellers won’t do every repair—but they may agree to a limited credit for major issues. This is also where “seller concessions Massachusetts” becomes a real lever. If you’re represented by a Massachusetts real estate lawyer for sellers, the same logic applies in reverse: focus concessions where they reduce uncertainty and keep the buyer committed.

 

Whether you’re in Hingham or buying across the South Shore (Norwell, Cohasset, Scituate, Marshfield, Duxbury, Hanover, Weymouth, Braintree, Quincy, Milton), the best inspection negotiation is the one that gets you to closing with eyes wide open.