Four ready templates for the week your inspection report lands. Fill in the brackets, keep the tone, hit send.
Firm and warm - fill in the brackets, then send
1. Request repairs after inspection
For when the inspection turned up real, fixable problems.
Subject: Repair request after inspection - [Property Address]
Hi [Agent/Seller Name],
Thank you for the chance to have [Property Address] inspected. We're still excited about the home and want to keep this moving toward closing together.
The inspection report flagged a few items we'd like addressed before closing:
- [Item 1, e.g. "Active roof leak above the primary bedroom"]
- [Item 2]
- [Item 3]
We've attached the relevant pages of the inspection report for reference. We're not asking for every minor item on the list, just the ones that affect the home's safety and value.
Could we set up a call this week to talk through next steps? We'd love to keep this moving smoothly toward closing.
Warmly,
[Your Name]
2. Request a credit instead of repairs
For when you'd rather handle repairs yourself, on your own timeline.
Subject: Requesting a closing credit instead of repairs - [Property Address]
Hi [Agent/Seller Name],
After reviewing our inspection report on [Property Address], we'd prefer to handle the repairs ourselves after closing rather than ask you to coordinate contractors on a deadline.
We'd like to request a closing credit of $[Amount] to cover:
- [Item 1 and estimated cost]
- [Item 2 and estimated cost]
This lets us choose our own contractor and timeline, and keeps things simple for everyone before closing. Happy to share the inspection report and any repair estimates we've gathered.
Let us know if this works, or if you'd like to talk it through.
Warmly,
[Your Name]
3. Appraisal-gap response
For when the bank's appraisal came in under your agreed price.
Subject: Next steps after the appraisal - [Property Address]
Hi [Agent/Seller Name],
We heard back from our lender, and the appraisal on [Property Address] came in at $[Appraised Value], which is $[Gap Amount] below our agreed price of $[Contract Price].
We'd like to propose the following to keep this deal moving:
- [Option 1, e.g. "We bring an additional $[Amount] in cash to close at the original price"]
- [Option 2, e.g. "We meet in the middle at $[New Price]"]
- [Option 3, e.g. "We use our appraisal contingency and revisit the price together"]
We're genuinely motivated to make this work and want to find a fair path forward for both sides. Could we set up a quick call to discuss?
Warmly,
[Your Name]
4. Walking away kindly
For when the numbers, or the house, just don't work anymore.
Subject: Stepping back from [Property Address]
Hi [Agent/Seller Name],
After a lot of thought, we've decided not to move forward with [Property Address]. [Brief honest reason, e.g. "the inspection turned up more than we're able to take on right now."]
This was a genuinely hard decision; we appreciated getting to know the home and working with you through this process. We're releasing our contingency today and will follow whatever paperwork is needed to formally withdraw and release our earnest money per our contract.
Thank you again for your time, and we wish you a smooth close with the next buyer.
Warmly,
[Your Name]
This tool is general education only, not legal, financial, insurance, or tax advice. Figures shown are typical ranges, not a quote - always confirm exact costs with your own agent, lender, escrow officer, and licensed professionals. Costs vary by state, lender, and property.