Accepted Offer but don't be petty"

The sellers accepted our offer, but asked that we not be "petty" when asking for things to be fixed...

We got the inspection and luckily there was NOTHING major,but a few minor problems, and a few little, little things...

The one thing that is concerning me is that the inspector said there needs to be handrails on the front and back steps, otherwise FHA will not accept it...(we are getting an FHA loan).

Is asking for this considered petty??? It basically needs to be done for us to get out loan...I dont understand what the sellers meant about not being petty....could they expect us to not ask for anything???

Re: Accepted Offer but don't be petty"

No, not petty. We needed the same thing for fha. Our sellers did it. If the consider that petty, they will have the same issue with anyone getting an fha loan.

Re: Accepted Offer but don't be petty"

I dont think asking for handrails as being petty. IMO things like a broken switchplate, or dirty carpet, or a loose screw is being petty.

Re: Accepted Offer but don't be petty"

Re: Accepted Offer but don't be petty"

We don't have handrails on our front steps and we just got an FHA loan. The inspector put it in the report as recommended, but not required.

I think petty would mean asking for things that are not required. But you can ask for whatever you want, it doesn't mean they have to do it. They can say no.

Re: Accepted Offer but don't be petty"

if you cant get your mortgage without it, its not petty

Re: Accepted Offer but don't be petty"

to answer your original question: No you aren't being petty.

side note: i have an FHA loan (8/09) and no issues getting it. I was told that the requirements arent' nearly as strict as they used to be, so you may not even need the handrails.

That being said I'm always of the opinion, better safe than sorry

Re: Accepted Offer but don't be petty"

Absolutely not.

Re: Accepted Offer but don't be petty"

No - that's not petty. It's one item, it's an easy one to take care of, and you have a valid reason for asking for it.

But some buyers mistakenly think that a home inspection is an opportunity to re-negotiate price. It's not. If the seller gives on the price during negotiations, the listing agent will always say, "OK, you're getting it at this price, as is." Translation: Don't nickel and dime us on the home inspection with a laundry list of minor things.

Of course, anything major (electrical, plumbing, or structural items) or anything needed for safety reasons to secure the loan should be taken care of by the seller.

Re: Accepted Offer but don't be petty"

ITA - not petty.

We had someone come back asking for money since all the switchplates in the house didn't match. ***...the don't match, b/c they fit the decor of that particular room!

Even if he was right - it had nothing to do with the inspection.


We asked for grounded plugs to be put in the bathroom/kitchen (code) and that they fix a small leak in the bathroom sink.