How to negotiate after an inspection finds problems

Every inspection finds issues. The productive approach is to sort them: safety and structural problems, systems near end of life, deferred maintenance, and cosmetic items. Ask only about the first two categories.

Get real numbers before you negotiate. A written quote from a contractor is far more persuasive than an inspector's estimate range, and it also tells you whether the issue is worth pursuing at all.

Then choose one route: a price reduction, a credit on closing, or the seller completing the work before closing. Price reductions and credits are usually cleaner, because you control the contractor and the quality of the repair.