Negotiating the price down at inspection

M. was a first-time buyer under contract on a single-family home in Culver City, unsure how much room a buyer actually has to negotiate once an offer’s accepted.

The inspection turned up issues most buyers would let slide to avoid rocking the boat. Melody didn’t - she built a case from the report and went back to the table.

“I thought the price was the price once we were in escrow. I didn’t know you could still push that hard.” - M.

Rather than a one-time repair credit, Melody negotiated the purchase price itself down, savings that stick with the mortgage instead of ending at closing.

• A thorough inspection that surfaced real, negotiable issues
• Purchase price reduced during the inspection period
• Savings built into the loan, not a one-time check
• A first-time buyer who felt protected, not rushed

“Someone has to actually fight for you in there,” M. said. “I didn’t know that until she did it.”