Short answer
Choose the remedy that can be verified and that works with the mortgage and closing. Seller repairs may control who performs the work; a price reduction may not create dollar-for-dollar cash for repairs; and a closing credit must be acceptable to the lender and documented properly.
The buyer concern behind the question
The inspection finds a $15,000 concern. The buyer asks for a $15,000 price reduction and assumes that amount will be available in cash after closing, but the mortgage and down-payment calculation may also change.
A practical Ontario example
Illustration only: A roof needs replacement. Rajiv models the financing effect of a lower price and lender-permitted arrangements. The lawyer drafts any amendment, and the buyer prefers a price reflecting risk plus a post-closing reserve rather than a vague promise to repair.
Questions to ask before waiving protection
- Is the repair scope known and professionally priced?
- Who selects the contractor and verifies completion?
- Will a credit or holdback be accepted by the lender?
- Does a price reduction change mortgage or down-payment figures?
- What happens if work is incomplete at the final visit?
Practical routes to compare
- Use precise written scope, deadlines and proof for seller work.
- Confirm any credit or holdback with lender and lawyer before agreement.
- Retain a realistic cash reserve for buyer-controlled work.
Keep each professional’s role clear
The inspector reports observable condition within the agreed scope. The Realtor advises on the offer, market response and written negotiation. The lawyer interprets the agreement, disclosure and remedies. The appraiser considers value and marketability for the stated assignment. The insurer decides coverage. Rajiv determines how the findings may affect property acceptance, appraisal, closing conditions and mortgage options. One report does not replace all of the others.
Mortgage consequences
A repair can reduce value, delay funding or make the property unacceptable to a lender or insurer. An A lender is the first route when borrower and property fit. Alternative lenders may accept broader property or income circumstances at higher cost. An institutional MIC or private lender may bridge a repair or timing problem, but equity, fees, interest and the exit back to suitable long-term financing must be tested before proceeding.
Verified public guidance
Ontario says inspection results may lead a buyer to request repairs, accept the defect, seek a price adjustment or not buy. The signed condition and amendment determine the legal result.
Read the primary source. Source checked 2026-09-03. Inspection findings, legal rights, insurance and lender acceptance remain property- and contract-specific.
Pressure-test the answer
The plan may fail if an area was inaccessible, the report excludes the system, a specialist cannot attend before the deadline, the seller refuses further testing, repairs cannot be completed before funding or insurance remains unavailable. Treat limitations as unanswered questions. Keep enough time and cash for the problem that has not yet been ruled out. Ask what evidence would change the recommendation, who is qualified to obtain it and whether the condition deadline allows that work. If the answer will arrive after waiver, calculate the buyer’s worst reasonable repair and financing exposure before proceeding.
Documents to keep
- Inspection contract, full report, photographs and limitation notes
- Offer, schedules, amendments and condition deadlines
- Seller reports, representations, invoices and permits
- Specialist estimates and insurance responses
- Appraisal and lender repair conditions where available
- Final-visit evidence and lawyer correspondence
Related AskRajiv guidance
Continue with fixtures chattels rentals repairs offer wording ontario, final walkthrough before home closing ontario.
Get the property and mortgage risks aligned
Use Rajiv’s direct mortgage strategy form. Include the inspection concern, estimated repair, purchase price and deadline.
Source and review
Reviewed by Rajiv Verma, Mortgage Broker on 2026-09-03. Educational information only; not inspection, engineering, environmental, legal, real-estate, insurance, appraisal or mortgage approval advice.