You’re under contract—congrats! But don’t hang up your negotiating hat just yet.
In Texas, the buying process gives you several built-in opportunities to reopen the conversation around price, repairs, or even walking away entirely (with your earnest money intact). Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, here’s what can still give you leverage after the seller accepts your offer:
1. Inspection Findings (a.k.a. The Option Period Power Play)
The most common and powerful renegotiation tool in your arsenal is the home inspection—especially during your option period.
When an inspector uncovers significant issues (think: foundation cracks, roof damage, HVAC problems, outdated wiring, plumbing leaks), you have every right to ask the seller for repairs, price reductions, or even closing cost credits.
Texas Tip: If you negotiated a generous option period, you bought yourself valuable time to back out for any reason. That flexibility? Worth every penny of the option fee.
2. Low Appraisal
If you're financing the purchase and the appraisal comes in below the agreed-upon purchase price, it's a game-changer. Lenders will only finance up to the appraised value—not the contract price.
When this happens, you can:
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Ask the seller to drop the price to match the appraisal.
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Re-negotiate a middle ground.
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Walk away if there’s no appraisal gap clause (and keep your earnest money).
Pro tip: A low appraisal isn’t a dead end. It's a negotiation door wide open.
3. Deed Restrictions or HOA Surprises
Let’s say you planned to rent out the home, run a business, or park your RV in the driveway—and then find out the HOA or deed restrictions prohibit it. That could materially impact the home’s value to you.
In Texas, you're allowed time to review all HOA and deed documents, and if what you find doesn’t work for your intended use, it’s grounds to renegotiate—or back out.
4. Title Issues
Problems like unresolved liens, boundary disputes, or incorrect ownership details can give you legal standing to renegotiate the timeline, the terms—or bail entirely if things can’t be cleared.
5. Survey Discrepancies
Let’s say the fence is over the property line, a shed encroaches on an easement, or the legal boundaries don’t match what you expected—these issues can be costly or prevent future improvements. You can use these findings to reopen negotiations or request corrections before closing.
6. Lender-Required Repairs
If the lender flags issues that must be fixed before they’ll approve the loan—like missing railings, peeling paint on an FHA loan, or broken windows—you may need to ask the seller to make the repairs or offer a credit.
7. Unpermitted Additions
Discovering that a garage conversion, room addition, or deck was built without proper permits can throw a wrench in the deal. Aside from future liability, unpermitted work might affect your insurance or resale. This can be a strong reason to renegotiate the price—or insist it be brought up to code.
8. Flood Zone Status or Insurance Surprises
If you discover the property is in a high-risk flood zone, that could drastically increase your insurance premium. Even if the seller wasn’t aware, you may need to renegotiate based on this added cost of ownership.
Bottom Line:
Just because you’re under contract doesn’t mean the deal is set in stone.
There are plenty of legitimate, contract-backed reasons to renegotiate—even after your offer is accepted. This is why it’s critical to have a strong buyer’s agent in your corner (hi, we're here 👋)—someone who knows how to use these opportunities to protect your interests and your wallet.
Buying a home is exciting, but it’s also complex. If you’re thinking of making a move and want someone to advocate fiercely for you every step of the way, let’s connect.
