Seller Credit Estimator (Free)
Negotiation

Seller Credit Estimator

Free seller credit estimator. Check the inspection items you found, get a recommended credit-ask range that accounts for market dynamics and seller motivation.

Enter your inputs and we'll show you the estimated exposure, severity, urgency, and recommended next steps.

About this calculator

Most buyers under-ask. They estimate one or two items, round to a comfortable number, and leave 30-50% of their leverage on the table. This estimator pulls the realistic repair exposure for every item you check, multiplies by a market-aware coefficient, and gives you the credit-ask range Buyer's Leverage analysts actually recommend.

Free calculator vs full Buyer's Leverage report

What this calculator shows you

  • Estimated repair exposure range
  • Severity, urgency, and negotiation relevance for this issue
  • General next-step checklist
What a full Buyer's Leverage report unlocks
  • Issue-by-issue inspection analysis across your whole report
  • Total repair exposure with prioritization
  • Negotiation strategy + seller-credit guidance
  • Repair timeline and specialist recommendations
  • Related-issue patterns the inspector may have missed
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Frequently asked questions

What's a fair seller credit after a home inspection?
Depends on market: in a balanced market, ask for 75% of the upper-end repair exposure. Hot seller markets — 55% with tight justification on safety + structural only. Cold/buyer markets — up to 90-100% with all items in scope. This calculator does the math for your specific market.
Should I ask for cash credit or seller-completed repairs?
Cash credit, almost always. Sellers tend to pick the cheapest contractor and the most expedient fix; you may want a higher-quality scope, a specific brand of equipment, or a different contractor entirely. Credits give you control and let you skip the inspection-walkthrough.
Will lenders allow large seller credits?
Most conventional loans cap seller credits at 3-9% of purchase price (varies by down payment). FHA caps at 6%. If your credit ask exceeds the cap, the workaround is a price reduction instead — same outcome for you, different paperwork.
What if I ask for too much and the seller refuses?
Counter once. If still no, you have three options: accept what they offer, walk on the inspection contingency (earnest money returns), or accept smaller credit AND escrow a holdback for the remaining repairs. Walking is rare past this point — most deals settle within 1-2 counters.
Calculator results are estimates for educational planning only. Actual repair costs, negotiation outcomes, and professional recommendations vary by property, location, contractor, inspection findings, and market conditions. Buyer's Leverage does not replace licensed inspectors, contractors, engineers, real estate agents, attorneys, lenders, or insurance professionals.
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