A home inspection is one of the most crucial steps in the home buying process. It's your opportunity to get a trained professional to evaluate the condition of the property you're interested in purchasing. After the inspection is complete, you will receive a report detailing any major or minor problems with the home. This information can then be used to negotiate with the seller for repairs, credits, or a reduced purchase price.

One important thing to keep in mind is that not all problems are created equal. Some repairs are more expensive or time-consuming than others. When prioritizing what to negotiate for, it's important to focus on the items that will have the biggest impact on your wallet or daily life. For example, a roof that needs to be replaced is going to be more expensive than a few outlets that need to be replaced. Likewise, a water leak might not seem like a big deal, but if it's left unaddressed it could cause serious damage to your home down the road.

Once you've reviewed the inspection report with your realtor and decided what items to negotiate for, it's time to start talking to the seller. The goal is to get them to agree to make the necessary repairs or give you a credit at closing that you can use towards repairs. If the seller isn't willing to make any concessions, you may need to walk away from the deal altogether. Remember, there are other homes out there and you don't want to purchase one that is going to require major repairs right away. Happy negotiating!