San Diego’s Real Estate Market is extremely hot. The seller accepts the buyer’s offer, and the buyer is happy. Once this happens, their buyer’s agent schedules a home inspection. Once the inspection is completed, depending on what it reveals, negotiating repairs comes into play.
Below are tips for negotiating repairs after your home inspection has been completed
1-Look at the Bigger Items When Negotiating Repairs
Don’t worry about every single item that the home inspector pointed out. Remember, it is the home inspector’s job to find things that are not perfect with the home. However, if you ask the seller to fix every item in the inspection report, you will overwhelm them, and they will probably shut down and move on to the next buyer. Remember, our market is super competitive right now, and buyers are waiting on the sidelines to scoop up homes that fall out of escrow. I would suggest being fair and realistic with your requests, or you may lose out on a great home.
2-Ask for Credit Instead of Asking to Repair the Items
Sellers are not eager to do repairs in the middle of a transaction. They are busy figuring out their next step. They want to start packing their belongings and figuring out where and when to move on to their next house. If they were to do the repairs, they probably would not be as meticulous as if you had them done, since they are on their way out.
Ask for credit instead. This way, you will be able to pick the handyman/contractor of your choosing and have them do the work to your liking. The credit that the seller gives the buyer is not cash. Instead, other negotiations are to take place. Instead of the buyer receiving cashback, they would not have to come out of pocket with as much cash for their closing fees.
3-Do Not Say Much About Renovation
You may be thinking that you will be doing major renovations instead of minor ones. If this is the case, it is best not to let the listing agent know this. If so, they will not take you too seriously when you ask the seller to credit you for certain items. They will know that you plan on tearing down walls or completely remodeling the kitchen and bathrooms. Thus, they will not give much credit since they know it is really for upgrading purposes.
4-Be Upfront and Honest
Never make an offer that is well over your comfort zone, intending to get your money back after your home inspection. This is the wrong road to go down, as the seller will become irate and non-negotiable. At this point, the seller may want to move on to the next buyer. We have seen this happen many times. There are times when our sellers have canceled with the demanding buyers and moved on to the next buyer who was extremely eager. The new eager buyer did not ask the seller to credit much, and sometimes nothing at all. In turn, the difficult buyers lost out on a great house and then had a hard time finding another home in the same neighborhood. My advice is to be honest and not play games.
If you are thinking of buying or selling a home in San Diego, contact the McT Real Estate Group. We are expert negotiators in the area. Our goal is to ensure that every client receives the utmost one-to-one attention and is extremely happy with the end result.
View A Home Inspection Checklist
Last updated: December 2025
How Negotiating Repairs Works in Today’s San Diego Market
Even though this article was originally written a few years ago, the core principles of negotiating repairs after a home inspection still apply in today’s San Diego real estate market. What has changed is the level of competition in walkable, in-demand neighborhoods like North Park, South Park, University Heights, and Golden Hill.
In many of these metro communities, well-priced homes still receive strong interest, which means buyers have to be strategic and realistic with repair requests. At the same time, higher prices and older housing stock make inspections and negotiations more important than ever.
San Diego’s Older Homes = More Inspection Findings
Many homes in North Park, South Park, and nearby areas were built in the early 1900s through the 1940s. Beautiful Craftsman, Spanish, and bungalow-style homes often come with:
- Older plumbing and electrical systems
- Foundations that may need monitoring or upgrades
- Roofing and drainage that weren’t designed for today’s weather patterns
- Previous “DIY” work or partial remodels
This means your home inspection report will likely be long. The key is to focus on the same things we recommend above: health, safety, and major systems, instead of cosmetic items.
Credits vs. Repairs in a Competitive Market
In seller-leaning neighborhoods like North Park and South Park, asking for a credit instead of repairs is still one of the most effective strategies. It allows you to:
- Hire your own contractor on your timeline
- Do the work to your standards
- Keep the seller focused on moving instead of managing projects
In some situations, especially if there were multiple offers, a modest credit request can keep the deal together while still protecting your budget for upcoming repairs and upgrades.
If you’re just beginning the buying process and want a step-by-step look at how everything fits together, including inspections and negotiations, take a look at our guide: How to Buy a House in San Diego in 2025 – Step by Step.
When It Makes Sense to Push Harder on Repairs
There are times when it makes sense to be firmer with your repair requests. For example:
- The home has been sitting on the market longer than similar homes nearby
- The seller has already moved out and is paying for two properties
- The inspection reveals serious issues that were not apparent when you wrote the offer
In these cases, we’ll look closely at recent sales, days on market, and how your home compares to others in North Park, South Park, and the surrounding metro neighborhoods. Our goal is to keep your long-term costs in check without unnecessarily killing a good deal.
To see how we’ve helped other buyers navigate repairs and negotiations, you can review recent homes we’ve sold: San Diego Real Estate Sold by the McT Real Estate Group.
Work with Local Negotiation Experts
Every inspection, every property, and every seller is different. Having a team that knows the micro-markets in 92104, 92102, 92116, and nearby zip codes makes a big difference when it comes time to negotiate repairs.
The McT Real Estate Group has helped over 500+ buyers and sellers in North Park, South Park, University Heights, and surrounding metro neighborhoods. We combine:
- Deep knowledge of older San Diego homes and common inspection issues
- Strong relationships with local contractors and inspectors
- Data-driven pricing and negotiation strategies
- Bilingual support in English, Spanish, and Japanese
If you’re preparing to buy or sell a home and want a strategy for inspections and repairs that fits today’s market, contact the McT Real Estate Group. We’ll walk you through what to expect, how to structure your offer or counteroffer, and how to protect your bottom line.
Next Steps for San Diego Buyers and Sellers
- Thinking about selling soon? Start with a customized home value review: San Diego Free Home Valuation.
- Relocating to North Park or the surrounding metro neighborhoods? Download our Relocation Guide for a smooth transition.
- Still deciding which neighborhood is the best fit? Compare two of San Diego’s most popular areas in our guide: North Park vs. South Park – Which Neighborhood Is Right for You?
Negotiating repairs after a home inspection is a key step for San Diego buyers, especially in older homes throughout North Park, South Park, and nearby neighborhoods.
FAQs About Negotiating Repairs After a Home Inspection in San Diego
What repairs are reasonable to ask for after a home inspection in San Diego?
Most buyers focus on health and safety items, major systems (roof, plumbing, electrical, foundation), and significant issues that could impact insurance or financing. Cosmetic items, small cracks, or minor wear and tear are usually not worth risking the deal over.
Is it better to ask for a repair credit or for the seller to do the work?
In many San Diego neighborhoods, asking for a credit is more practical. It lets you hire your own contractor, control the quality of the work, and schedule repairs after closing instead of rushing them during escrow.
How does a competitive market in places like North Park or South Park affect repair negotiations?
When a home has multiple offers, buyers typically have less leverage to request large credits or extensive repairs. In these situations, focusing on the most important issues and keeping requests reasonable can help you keep the property while still protecting your interests.
Can I cancel the purchase if the seller refuses to do repairs?
It depends on the inspection contingencies in your purchase contract and the deadlines in your timeline. In many cases, buyers can cancel within their contingency period if they are not satisfied with the inspection and repair negotiations. Always review this with your agent before making a decision.
How can the McT Real Estate Group help me negotiate repairs?
We’ll review your inspection report with you, prioritize the most important items, estimate realistic repair or credit amounts, and craft a negotiation strategy based on current conditions in your specific neighborhood. Our experience in North Park, South Park, University Heights, Golden Hill, and nearby metro areas gives you a clear advantage at the negotiation table.