Should I offer a sewer repair credit or complete the repairs myself?
A credit can avoid managing work before closing, while completing a repair may resolve the issue directly. Compare contractor proposals, scheduling, permits where required, and how completion will be verified. Credits and price reductions work differently, and financing rules may apply. Your agent can help structure an agreement that fits the transaction.
What to consider
Compare the actual scope, not just the concession amount. Written contractor proposals can help both parties understand the work being considered. If you arrange a repair, agree on expectations for permits where applicable, documentation, and verification.
A credit avoids some pre-closing project management but remains subject to the purchase agreement and financing rules. A price reduction is a separate mechanism. Neither should be treated as automatically equivalent to paying a contractor invoice.
Your timeline, willingness to manage the work, and the buyer’s financing all matter. Discuss the structure with your agent and lender. Our buying or selling with sewer concerns page explains how independent findings can help ground the agreement.
Read more: Buying or Selling With Sewer Concerns
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