Got a bad report on your house from your buyers' inspector? Don't be dismayed! While you will be required to disclose the information to other prospective buyers, there are some things you can do:
Check the report.
Inspectors have made mistakes. If you think that you've found something that is wrong, ask the inspector to clarify and, if appropriate, to correct his report.
Talk to the inspector.
Even if you don't think the inspector made a mistake, it's possible that he may have overstated the problem. For a fee, he may be willing to walk through the home with potential buyers and explain in greater detail his opinions.
Get a second opinion.
Home inspectors are commissioned to find problems with houses and can err on the side of caution. They can also face legal action if they miss a large problem. An inspector may suggest or you may decide that you consult an outside expert on a questionable issue; this can benefit the seller if the expert finds that the inspector's concerns were overstated. Always remember that an inspector probably isn't a plumber, roofer, electrician and a stuctural engineer. You and your prospective buyers may need to call on someone with more specialized knowledge to get the true picture of your house.
Once you've know what you're dealing with, you can make arrangements to prospective buyers to fix the problem to their satisfaction or credit them money off of the purchase price toward fixing the problem themselves.
Most of the above advice to sellers can apply to buyers, as well. If you have found a house that you are enthusiastic about and it receives mixed reviews from the inspector, you may wish to clarify his report or ask for more information from him or others before abandoning that property.
In addition, it's a good idea for the buyer to always be present for the home inspection. That way, you can answer questions and discuss the report with the inspector in person.