How Do I Handle Inspection Negotiations When Selling My Home on the Big Island of Hawaii?

You accepted an offer…

The inspection happens…

And then the buyer comes back with a list of requests.

This is one of the most important moments in the entire sale.

Because how you handle this step can determine whether:

• The deal moves forward
• The price changes
• Or the deal falls apart

Julie Wettstein, Realtor RB-21086is a real estate agent on the Big Island of Hawaii helping homeowners navigate inspection negotiations so they protect their bottom line and keep deals together.

First, Expect It

Almost every home sale includes some level of inspection negotiation.

Even well-maintained homes will have:

• Minor repairs
• Maintenance items
• Things the buyer didn’t expect

That’s normal.

How a Pre-Inspection Can Prevent Problems Before They Start

One of the smartest things you can do is apre-inspection before listing your home.

This means having your own inspector evaluate the property upfront.

Why this helps:

• You uncover issues before the buyer does
• You fix or plan on your terms
• You reduce surprises during escrow
• Buyers feel more confident

On the Big Island, inspections often include:

• Termites
• Roof wear (sun, salt air)
• Catchment systems
• General maintenance

For mainland buyers, this can feel overwhelming.

A pre-inspection helps you stay ahead of it.

What Buyers Usually Ask For

After inspection, buyers may request:

• Repairs
• Credits
• Price reductions
• Additional inspections

A long list doesn’t mean you have to agree to everything.

Your 3 Options

1. Agree(for small issues)
2. Offer a credit(very common)
3. Negotiate or push back

Everything is negotiable.

What Actually Matters

Focus on:

• Safety issues
• Major systems
• Deal-breaking concerns

Don’t let small items kill the deal.

Big Island Considerations

Expect:

• Termite inspections
• Catchment systems
• Climate-related wear
• Mainland buyer concerns

Clear communication matters here.

Real Example

A Kona seller got a long inspection list.

We:

• Focused on major items
• Ignored minor issues
• Offered a fair credit

Because we had a pre-inspection, there were no surprises.

Result:

• Buyer stayed
• Deal stayed intact
• Smooth closing

Biggest Mistake

Taking it personally.

It’s not about your home.
It’s part of the process.

FAQ

Do I have to fix everything?
No.

Credit or repairs?
Often credit is easier.

Can buyer walk away?
Yes, during contingency.

Is pre-inspection worth it?
In many cases, yes.

Next Step

Plan for this before you list.

That’s how you stay in control.

Julie Wettstein, Broker RB-21086
Island Homes by Scuba Julie
Big Island, Hawaii
(808) 345-6934
BigIslandDreamHomes.com
[email protected]