When Inspection Negotiations Stall: When to Push, When to Compromise, and When to Walk Away

After the inspection, most deals move forward with some back-and-forth.

But sometimes… negotiations stall.

The seller pushes back.
Credits get reduced.
Repairs are refused.
Emotions creep in.

This is the moment where buyers either stay strategic — or let frustration take over.

Let’s talk about how to handle it the right way.

First: Understand What’s Actually at Stake

Not every pushback is a deal-breaker.

Ask yourself:

• Is this a safety issue?

• Is it structural?

• Is it something that could cost thousands later?

• Or is it cosmetic and manageable?

If the seller refuses to fix a loose doorknob, that’s not the hill to die on.

If they refuse to address a failing roof or major foundation issue — that’s different.

The key is separating inconvenience from investment risk.

When to Push

Push when:

• The issue affects safety

• It impacts financing or insurability

• It’s a major system (roof, HVAC, foundation, electrical)

• The cost is significant relative to the purchase price

In these cases, you’re not being difficult.
You’re protecting your investment.

Strong buyers stay calm, but they don’t ignore real risk.

When to Compromise

Compromise when:

• The repair is minor

• The home is otherwise strong

• The market favors sellers

• You love the property

Sometimes a small credit reduction isn’t worth losing the house.

Sometimes splitting the difference keeps the deal alive.

Real estate is negotiation — not war.

When Walking Away Is Actually the Right Move

This is the hardest part.

Walking away is appropriate when:

• The seller refuses to address serious defects

• You uncover new risks that weren’t expected

• You no longer feel confident in the purchase

• The financial exposure outweighs the value

Backing out isn’t failure.

It’s discipline.

And sometimes protecting your future matters more than forcing a deal to close.

The Big Picture

Most deals don’t collapse because of inspections.

They collapse because emotions escalate.

When buyers stay level-headed and focus on facts, negotiations become a strategy — not a standoff.

The goal isn’t to “win.”

It’s to make a smart decision.

Final Thought

Inspection negotiations aren’t about proving a point.

They’re about protecting your investment while keeping perspective.

Sometimes you push.
Sometimes you compromise.
And sometimes walking away is the most confident decision you can make.

The key is understanding the difference — and having someone in your corner who can help you see it clearly.

— Shawn Long
ERA Martin Associates | Shawn Sells Delmarva
Serving Maryland’s Eastern Shore

Real estate doesn’t have to feel overwhelming — you don’t have to figure it out alone.