Blog - Navy Fellas Realty Group

How to Negotiate Home Repairs After an Inspection

October 30, 2025 by James Scott

A home inspection is one of the most important steps in the home buying process. It gives buyers a clear picture of the property’s condition and can uncover issues that are not visible during a showing. From roofing problems to electrical concerns, an inspection helps ensure you know exactly what you are purchasing. However, once the report arrives, the next step, and negotiating repairs, can feel overwhelming.

Reviewing the Inspection Report
When you receive the inspection report, take time to review it carefully with your real estate agent. Not every issue requires a repair or credit request. Focus on major concerns such as structural problems, roof damage, plumbing leaks, electrical hazards, or issues that impact safety or livability. Minor cosmetic flaws or small maintenance items are usually best handled after closing.

Prioritize the Big Repairs
The key to a successful negotiation is knowing what truly matters. A cracked windowpane may be a simple fix, but foundation issues or a failing HVAC system could be costly and deserve attention before the sale proceeds. Your agent can help you prioritize which repairs are essential and which can be negotiated as part of a credit or price reduction.

Explore Your Options
When inspection issues arise, buyers generally have three options: request that the seller make repairs, ask for repair credit at closing, or negotiate a price reduction. Each approach has advantages. Having the seller complete the repairs before closing ensures the work is done, but some buyers prefer a credit or discount to hire their own contractors after the purchase. This provides more control over quality and timing.

Be Professional and Fair
Approach the negotiation as a conversation rather than a confrontation. Remember that both parties want the transaction to move forward. Provide clear documentation from the inspection report and estimates from licensed contractors when possible. This shows that your requests are reasonable and based on facts, not emotions. Maintaining a cooperative tone can make a big difference in how the seller responds.

Rely on Your Agent’s Expertise
Your real estate agent is your greatest resource during this stage. Experienced agents know how to frame requests, communicate effectively with the sellerís side, and keep the deal moving. They can help you balance firmness with flexibility, ensuring your needs are met without jeopardizing the transaction.

Negotiating home repairs after an inspection is about finding balance. The goal is not to get a perfect home, but a fair deal based on the propertyís true condition. By focusing on major issues, presenting clear evidence, and keeping the conversation respectful, you can reach an agreement that benefits both sides. A well-handled negotiation protects your investment and sets the stage for a smoother closing.

What Happens If a Seller Backs Out of a Deal

October 29, 2025 by James Scott

Buying a home is an emotional and financial journey, and most buyers expect the process to move smoothly once an offer is accepted. However, there are times when a seller decides to back out of the deal. This situation can be stressful, especially for buyers who have already started preparing for closing. Understanding your rights and the possible outcomes can help you respond calmly and confidently.

Can a Seller Legally Back Out?
Once both parties have signed a purchase agreement, the contract becomes legally binding. This means that in most cases, a seller cannot simply change their mind without valid legal grounds. Common reasons a seller might back out include issues discovered during the inspection, problems with their next home purchase, or disagreements about contract terms.

Unless a specific contingency allows them to cancel, walking away from a signed agreement can have serious consequences for the seller.

Buyer Protections in the Contract
Most real estate contracts include clauses that protect both buyers and sellers. Buyers typically include contingencies for financing, inspection, and appraisal, while sellers may include clauses that allow them to cancel if certain conditions are not met. If a seller backs out without justification, the buyer may be entitled to remedies outlined in the contract. This can include reimbursement of expenses, or even the right to pursue legal action to enforce the sale.

Earnest Money and Legal Remedies
If a seller tries to cancel without cause, the buyer may be able to recover their earnest money deposit. In some cases, buyers can also seek compensation for additional losses such as inspection costs, appraisal fees, or temporary housing. In rare situations, the buyer might pursue a legal remedy called specific performance, which asks the court to require the seller to honor the contract and complete the sale.

Reasons Sellers Might Back Out
Sellers may back out for personal or financial reasons. Some receive higher offers after accepting a deal, while others face challenges finding a new home. Occasionally, emotional attachment or cold feet can cause hesitation. Regardless of the reason, sellers must understand that a signed agreement carries obligations, and backing out improperly can damage their reputation and result in financial penalties.

How to Handle the Situation
If you find yourself in this position as a buyer, the first step is to stay calm and consult your real estate agent. Experienced agents know how to communicate with the seller’s side to determine if the situation can be resolved without escalating. If needed, an attorney can review your contract and explain your legal options.

A seller backing out of a deal can be disappointing, but buyers have rights and protections in place. Working with a trusted real estate professional and understanding your contract helps ensure you know what steps to take. Staying informed and prepared can make all the difference if this situation arises.

How to Decide Between a Condo, Townhouse, or Single-Family Home

October 28, 2025 by James Scott

Choosing the right type of home is one of the most important decisions a buyer can make. Condos, townhouses, and single-family homes each offer unique benefits and challenges. The best choice depends on your lifestyle, budget, and long-term goals. Understanding what sets them apart can help you make a confident and informed decision.

The Condo Lifestyle
Condos are ideal for buyers who want convenience and minimal maintenance. In most communities, the homeowner’s association takes care of exterior upkeep, landscaping, and shared amenities. This can be especially appealing for people with busy schedules or those who prefer not to handle maintenance themselves. Condos often come with amenities such as pools, gyms, and security features that provide comfort and peace of mind.

However, condos also include association fees, and buyers should carefully review the rules and regulations. Monthly dues can vary widely depending on what services are covered. Additionally, shared walls and common spaces mean less privacy than detached housing, so it is important to consider how much independence you want in your living environment.

The Townhouse Advantage
Townhouses offer a balance between condo living and single-family ownership. They usually share one or two walls with neighboring units but still provide more space and independence than condos. Many townhouses include small yards or patios, private garages, and multiple levels that give the feel of a traditional home.

Townhouse communities often maintain common areas, so you enjoy a degree of convenience like condo living. The homeowner’s association may handle exterior work, which reduces your maintenance responsibilities. However, as with condos, association fees and restrictions apply, so reviewing those details before purchasing is essential.

The Freedom of a Single-Family Home
For buyers who value privacy and space, a single-family home is often the preferred choice. Detached homes allow for complete control over your property, from the landscaping to design changes. They typically include larger yards, more storage space, and greater flexibility for future expansion.

On the other hand, ownership also means full responsibility for maintenance and repairs. Landscaping, roof upkeep, and system maintenance all fall to the homeowner. While these responsibilities come with additional costs, many buyers appreciate the independence and sense of ownership that come with them.

Key Factors to Consider
When deciding between these options, consider your lifestyle first. If you value convenience and community amenities, a condo or townhouse may fit best. If you prefer privacy, space, and flexibility, a single-family home may be worth the additional effort. Also think about long term costs, including insurance, property taxes, and maintenance.

Making the Right Choice
There is no one-size-fits-all answer when choosing the right home type. Each option provides a different balance of freedom, maintenance, and expense. By carefully evaluating your needs and working with a knowledgeable real estate agent, you can find a home that aligns with your goals and lifestyle.

Understanding Mortgages and Inflation and How Borrowers Can Benefit

October 28, 2025 by James Scott

Inflation affects nearly every part of the economy, from grocery prices to the cost of borrowing. For homeowners and buyers, understanding how inflation impacts mortgage rates and payments can be a powerful advantage. While rising prices can feel discouraging, there are strategic ways borrowers can benefit during inflationary periods.

How Inflation Impacts Mortgages
When inflation rises, the value of money decreases, and interest rates increase. This is because lenders want to protect the value of the money they lend. Higher inflation can mean higher mortgage rates for new loans, which may reduce affordability for buyers. However, for existing homeowners with a fixed-rate mortgage, inflation can work in their favor.

If your mortgage rate is locked in, your monthly payment stays the same even as the cost-of-living rises. Over time, inflation makes your fixed payment feel smaller because your income and overall prices may increase, but your mortgage does not. In this way, inflation can reduce the ìrealî cost of your loan.

Fixed-Rate Borrowers Hold an Advantage
Homeowners with fixed-rate mortgages essentially win when inflation increases. They are paying back their loan with dollars that are worth less overtime, while home values and wages may rise. This combination can boost equity faster and make long-term homeownership an even stronger investment.

Borrowers who purchased homes before major inflationary periods often see this effect clearly. While new buyers might face higher rates, established homeowners enjoy steady payments and growing property values.

Why Real Estate Can Be a Hedge Against Inflation
Real estate has long been considered a hedge against inflation. As prices for goods and services rise, home values usually rise too. That means the property you own could appreciate while your mortgage balance stays the same. This dynamic helps protect your wealth and builds long-term equity, even during uncertain times.

For investors, rental income also tends to rise with inflation. That means owning property can help maintain or even increase cash flow as living costs go up.

Smart Moves for Borrowers During Inflation

Even in an inflationary market, borrowers have options:

Lock in a fixed rate before rates increase further
Pay down principal faster to save on interest over time
Consider real estate as a long-term inflation hedge
Avoid unnecessary debt, especially variable-rate loans that can rise with inflation

Inflation can be challenging, but it also creates opportunities for smart borrowers. If you already have a fixed-rate mortgage, you are likely in a good position. By understanding how inflation works in relation to mortgages, you can use it to your advantage and strengthen your long-term financial outlook.

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – October 27th, 2025

October 27, 2025 by James Scott

While the government shutdown remains ongoing, inflation data for both the CPI and PPI has been released, indicating that inflation came in below expectations.

It’s worth noting that under the new policy, more data will be simulated rather than collected from broader sources, there is still a significant degree of data collection. This was followed by the Consumer Sentiment report, which suggests that the economy may be gaining momentum again, as sentiment has risen and broken its recent downtrend.

Although many reports are still delayed due to the government shutdown, some essential releases have started to be prioritized. With the latest data now available, there is a lot of optimism that there will be further rate cuts upcoming.

Consumer Sentiment
The U.S. economy sped up in October during the ongoing government shutdown, new surveys show, but high tariffs were hurting exports, businesses said, casting a cloud over the upcoming year. S&P Global said its index of service companies, which employ most Americans, rose to a three-month high of 55.2 in October from 54.2 in the prior month. Any number above 50 signals expansion.

Primary Mortgage Market Survey Index
• 15-Yr FRM rates saw a decrease of -0.08% for this week, with the current rate at 5.44%
• 30-Yr FRM rates saw a decrease of -0.08% for this week, with the current rate at 6.19%

MND Rate Index
• 30-Yr FHA rates saw a decrease of -0.04% for this week. Current rates at 5.95%
• 30-Yr VA rates saw a decrease of -0.04% for this week. Current rates at 5.97%

Jobless Claims
Initial Claims were reported to be delayed until further notice.

What’s Ahead
Next week’s tentative releases include the FOMC rate decision and the PCE Index, though the PCE report has been delayed by the government shutdown.