Before you buy a house in Texas, you’ll hire an inspector to check for major defects. Once you get the report, you might be able to ask the seller to make repairs before you move in. The seller isn’t legally obligated to make repairs, but they might agree or offer you a “credit” on the selling price.
Should you ask the seller to make repairs?
According to real estate law, you have the right to ask the seller to make repairs. This could include issues with the wiring, plumbing, sewer, appliances or another major defect that might affect your quality of life. You could also ask the seller to fix minor problems, but this might damage your relationship with the seller.
If the seller agrees, they might pay for repairs or try to fix the issue themselves. You could also ask the seller to buy a warranty for the house. However, while you have the right to ask for repairs, the seller also has the right to reject your request. You may not be able to pursue legal action unless the seller promised otherwise in the contract.
Instead of repairs, the seller might offer a “credit” on the selling price. This means that they’ll deduct the price of the repairs from the selling price so you can pay for repairs afterward. The seller might prefer this option if they’re in a hurry to sell the house.
Can you force a seller to make repairs?
Generally, you can’t force a seller to make repairs. However, you might want to talk to an attorney if you’re having issues with the sale or suspect that the seller has broken a law. An attorney could also help you with a straightforward sale and make the process as easy as possible.
