What Happens During the Home Inspection When Selling in Manhasset?

The home inspection is one of the most misunderstood parts of selling. For Manhasset sellers, inspections rarely kill deals—but they often reshape negotiations. Knowing what typically happens, what matters to buyers, and how to prepare helps you stay in control and avoid unnecessary concessions.

What the Inspection Is (and Isn’t)

A home inspection is not a pass-or-fail test.

It is:

  • A buyer’s opportunity to understand the home’s condition

  • A tool for identifying material issues

  • A checkpoint before final commitment

It is not a demand that the home be perfect, especially in older Manhasset properties.

What Inspectors Usually Focus On

Inspectors typically examine:

  • Roof and exterior

  • Foundation and structure

  • Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems

  • Signs of water intrusion or moisture

  • Safety items and code-related concerns

Most reports are long. What matters is which items buyers choose to act on.

What Buyers Actually Care About After the Inspection

Buyers usually focus on:

  • Safety issues

  • Major system problems

  • Water-related concerns

  • Unexpected or undisclosed defects

They are less concerned with minor wear, cosmetic issues, or items they already expected.

Common Outcomes After an Inspection

After reviewing the report, buyers typically do one of four things:

  • Proceed with no requests

  • Ask for a credit

  • Request limited repairs

  • Renegotiate price

Walking away is far less common than most sellers fear.

Why Preparation Matters Before Listing

Sellers who prepare tend to face fewer issues.

Preparation may include:

  • Addressing known mechanical issues

  • Fixing obvious safety concerns

  • Providing documentation for recent repairs

  • Setting expectations upfront

Surprises create leverage—for buyers.

How Inspection Negotiations Usually Go Wrong

Problems arise when sellers:

  • Take requests personally

  • Ignore reasonable concerns

  • Overreact to minor items

  • Refuse to engage at all

A calm, strategic response protects momentum.

When Holding Firm Makes Sense

Not every request deserves a concession.

Holding firm may be appropriate when:

  • The issue was visible before the offer

  • The home was priced to reflect condition

  • The request is cosmetic or minor

  • Market conditions favor the seller

The key is knowing when firmness strengthens your position—and when it risks the deal.

How Eric Berman REALTOR® Guides Sellers Through Inspections

Eric supports Manhasset sellers by:

  • Preparing buyers for realistic inspection outcomes

  • Helping sellers interpret reports objectively

  • Advising on when to credit, repair, or hold firm

  • Keeping negotiations focused and professional

  • Protecting value without jeopardizing the deal

The goal is resolution, not escalation.

FAQs

Do inspections usually lead to price reductions in Manhasset?
Sometimes, but not always. It depends on the issues and expectations set upfront. Eric Berman REALTOR® can help evaluate requests here: https://www.theericbermanteam.com/contact-us

Should I do a pre-inspection before listing?
In some cases, yes. It can reduce surprises. Eric Berman REALTOR® can help decide if it makes sense at https://www.theericbermanteam.com/contact-us

What inspection issues cause deals to fall apart?
Major undisclosed problems or unwillingness to engage. Eric Berman REALTOR® can help prevent this at https://www.theericbermanteam.com/contact-us

Can I refuse to make repairs after inspection?
Yes. Repairs are negotiable unless required by the contract. Eric Berman REALTOR® can guide your response at https://www.theericbermanteam.com/contact-us

How long does the inspection phase usually last?
Typically one to two weeks. Eric Berman REALTOR® can help manage timing and expectations here: https://www.theericbermanteam.com/contact-us

Eric Berman, REALTOR®
Compass Greater NY
917-225-8596
eric@ericbermanre.com
www.theericbermanteam.com