Selling a Home in Novato: What Sellers Should Know

If you’re selling a home, one of the most stressful moments can happen after the offer is accepted—when inspections reveal unexpected repairs.

This is more common than many sellers realize.

Roof leaks, plumbing issues, structural concerns, or hidden water damage sometimes surface during the inspection process.

Recently, during the sale of a home in Novato, a leak inside a wall was discovered after the property had already gone under contract. The discovery was not part of an inspection; rather, after a heavy rain, our alert seller noticed signs of water in a wall.

Rather than letting the issue derail the transaction, we coordinated contractor quotes, helped evaluate the scope of the repairs, and worked with both sides to reach a solution.

The sale ultimately closed successfully.

Overlooking a neighborhood in Novato, CA

Why Repairs During Escrow Are Common

Even well-maintained homes can have hidden issues.

Inspections are designed to uncover conditions that may not be visible during showings, but even an inspector may not a hidden problem inside a wall.

When something is discovered, there are usually several ways forward:

• The seller completes the repair

• The seller provides a credit

• The parties negotiate a price adjustment

• In rare cases, the buyer cancels the contract

The key is managing the situation quickly and transparently.

Why Experienced Representation Matters

Handling repairs during escrow often requires:

• Coordinating contractors quickly

• Providing accurate cost estimates

• Communicating clearly with both sides

• Keeping negotiations productive

When these steps are managed well, most transactions still close successfully.

Learn More

You can read the full story of how we navigated a repair issue during escrow in the sale of 89 Hollyleaf Way in Novato here:

➡️ Behind the Sale: 89 Hollyleaf Way

Thinking of selling your home, or curious what it’s worth now? Contact Team McGinnis today.