HomeAdviceBuyingCan we negotiate on damage we don't see?
Go Back

Can we negotiate on damage we don't see?

We are buying a house and are pretty sure there was a leak in the carpeted basement that was fixed, but the carpet is still there. I'm worried that there is mold under the carpet but won't know till we pull it up. If there is, I want them to pay for it to be replaced. How can we check without pulling it up?

Asked by Cheri | Milwaukee, WI| 01-05-2023| 1,121 views|Buying|Updated 3 years ago

Answers (5)

Sort by:
Amanda Courtney

REP Realty Group · Fort Myers, FL

(13 reviews)
Yes — if it’s discovered during the inspection/due diligence period. You can negotiate repairs, credits, or price reductions based on what the inspection reveals.
View Profile
01-13-2026 (3 months ago)··
Lisa And Greg Harris

eXp Realty, LLC · Columbia, SC

(42 reviews)
In most situations, you can not negotiate for what you think might be an issue in the future. In most states including SC You are given a Due Diligence period to do inspections. a good home inspector might be able to do a moisture read on the area to determine if there are high moisture readings. Express your concerns with the inspector and see if they may be able to give you more details of any issues. and then have your REALTOR relay those concerns based on the inspections to the selling agent and the sellers. Then go from there based on the recommendations of the inspector and the REALTOR representing your side of the process.
View Profile
01-11-2023 (3 years ago)··
Scott CarlsonRising Star11 Answers
Scott Carlson

BRIX Real Estate · Maple Grove, MN

(3 reviews)
Here in MN, anytime someone lists their property they need to fill out a Sellers Disclosure Form, they can either fill out the disclosure statement form OR the disclosures alternatives form. If they fill out the disclosure statement form, they need to mark on it any damage that has happened to the property that they are aware of. even if it was fixed. Another good thing to have done when buying a home is to get an inspection through a trusted company and mention your concerns before they go out there to inspect the home. You can always re-negotiate after the inspection is done.
View Profile
01-07-2023 (3 years ago)··
Find Agent CTA

Are you ready to find a top agent near you?

Browse profiles of the highest ranked agents in your area and find one that meets your specific needs.

Sylvia ValenzuelaNovice1 Answer
Sylvia Valenzuela

SV Realty · El Paso, TX

(19 reviews)
I would recommed to get a home inspection by a liv=censed professional.
View Profile
01-05-2023 (3 years ago)··
Gail BishardNovice1 Answer
Gail Bishard

Bishard Team W/ SilverCreek · Pocatello, ID

(49 reviews)
There is a moisture reader; if their evidence of moisture, then I could recommend having a professional pull up the carpet to see if there is mold and where the moisture is coming from
View Profile
01-06-2023 (3 years ago)··
Find Agent CTA

Are you ready to find a top agent near you?

Browse profiles of the highest ranked agents in your area and find one that meets your specific needs.

Related Questions

How far in advance should I start the home buying process before my lease ends?

Asked by Anonymous | columbus, GA | 7 views | Buying | 04-16-2026 | Updated 4 hours ago

How do I make sure I know everything about a house before buying?

Asked by Lisa F | Fayetteville, NC | 9 views | Buying | 04-16-2026 | Updated 6 hours ago

When do I need to start talking with real estate agents?

Asked by Jenny B | Indianapolis, IN | 9 views | Buying | 04-15-2026 | Updated 1 day ago

How can a first-time buyer compete with all-cash offers in a hot market?

Asked by Brenton M | Tampa, FL | 21 views | Buying | 04-14-2026 | Updated 1 day ago

What is the absolute minimum credit score needed to buy my first house?

Asked by Brent K | Loveland, CO | 12 views | Buying | 04-14-2026 | Updated 2 days ago