Finding serious issues during your home inspection can be scary and frustrating, especially when you're excited about a home in Fort Mill, Waxhaw, or anywhere in the Charlotte metro area. But don't panic – this is exactly why we do inspections, and you have options. First, understand what constitutes "serious" issues. We're talking about major systems failures (HVAC, plumbing, electrical), structural problems, or safety issues like mold or asbestos. Cosmetic issues, minor repairs, and normal wear and tear aren't deal-breakers

A good inspector will help you understand the difference and prioritize what needs immediate attention versus what can wait. You typically have several options when serious issues are discovered. You can ask the seller to fix the problems before closing, though this can be risky since you won't control the quality of work. You can ask for a credit at closing to handle repairs yourself – this is often better since you choose the contractors. You can ask the seller to reduce the purchase price to account for the needed repairs

In competitive markets like Ballantyne or Indian Land, sellers might refuse to negotiate, especially if they have backup offers. In that case, you need to decide if you want to take on the repairs yourself or walk away. Remember, your inspection contingency protects you – if you can't reach an agreement with the seller, you should be able to get your earnest money back. Here's my advice: don't let minor issues derail a good house in a great location like Weddington or Marvin. But also don't ignore major problems that could cost tens of thousands to fix

Get repair estimates for big-ticket items so you can negotiate from a position of knowledge. Sometimes what seems like a deal-breaker is actually negotiable, and sometimes what seems minor could indicate bigger problems. Trust your inspector's expertise and your agent's guidance on what's reasonable to request in your specific market situation.