🧾 How to Handle Post-Closing Repairs or Disputes the Right Way

You’ve closed the deal, handed over the keys, and maybe even celebrated with a well-deserved dinner. 🎉

Then, your phone rings—or your email pings—and the buyer says something’s wrong.

Maybe it’s a leaky faucet, a foundation crack they swear wasn’t there before, or a furnace that suddenly quit working. Post-closing repair requests and disputes can turn that sigh of relief into a whole new round of stress.

But don’t panic.

At Hanson Capital Homes, we’ve seen these situations resolved calmly and professionally—without derailing relationships or risking legal headaches. Here’s how to handle post-closing repairs or disputes the right way in 2025.

🧠 First, Understand What “Post-Closing” Really Means

Once you’ve signed the closing documents and funds have been disbursed, the home legally belongs to the buyer. That means the responsibility for maintenance and repairs usually transfers to them—unless there’s something you were obligated to disclose and didn’t.

📘 Key takeaway:
Post-closing repair disputes usually come down to one question:

“Was this problem something the seller knew about—and failed to disclose?”

🏚️ Step 1: Review Your Disclosure and Contract

Your first move should be to pull up your signed disclosure and purchase agreement.

Look for:

• Clauses about “as-is” condition
  
  

• Any agreed-upon repairs or warranties before closing
  
  

• Inspection addenda or repair receipts
  
  

💡 If you fully disclosed known issues and the buyer accepted the home as-is, you’re usually protected.

⚒️ Step 2: Determine If It’s a True Post-Closing Issue

Not all problems that appear after closing are your responsibility.

🚫 Seller Not Liable For:

• Normal wear and tear (ex: old appliances breaking down)
  
  

• Issues discovered after a home inspection was completed and accepted
  
  

• Problems caused by the buyer’s own actions or neglect
  
  

⚠️ Seller Might Be Liable For:

• Concealed or undisclosed defects (like past flooding, mold, or foundation issues)
  
  

• Fraudulent misrepresentation—if you knowingly hid a major issue
  
  

• Failure to complete agreed-upon pre-closing repairs
  
  

🎯 Pro Tip: Honesty and documentation are your best defenses. If you can show receipts, inspection reports, or contractor notes, you’re in a strong position.

💬 Step 3: Respond Professionally and Promptly

Even if you believe you’re not at fault, always respond with professionalism.

A calm, factual reply goes much further than a defensive one.
You can say something like:

“Thank you for letting me know about this issue. I’ll review my records and get back to you soon.”

Then, talk to your real estate agent or attorney before making any promises or payments.

💬 Real Talk: Sometimes, offering a small goodwill gesture (like covering a $200 repair) can prevent a larger dispute later.

🧾 Step 4: Check If a Home Warranty Applies

If the buyer purchased—or you provided—a home warranty, that’s often the simplest solution.

These warranties cover major systems like:

• HVAC
  

• Plumbing
  

• Electrical
  

• Appliances
  
  

🏠 In Tennessee and Georgia, many agents include one-year home warranties for exactly this reason—to avoid post-closing arguments over breakdowns.

⚖️ Step 5: When to Involve Mediation or Legal Help

If the dispute escalates, your contract may include a mediation or arbitration clause.

• Mediation: A neutral third party helps both sides find a compromise.
  
  

• Arbitration: A formal process where a decision is legally binding.
  
  

If the buyer threatens legal action, it’s time to:

• Contact your real estate attorney
  
  

• Gather all documentation (inspection reports, disclosures, texts, repair receipts)
  
  

• Let the professionals handle communication moving forward
  
  

💡 Pro Tip: Never admit fault or offer reimbursement until you’ve received legal advice.

📍 Local Insight: How It Plays Out in Chattanooga Valley

In Chattanooga Valley and surrounding East Tennessee, post-closing disputes are rare—but they do happen, often around:

• HVAC systems that fail shortly after closing
  
  

• Roof leaks during the first heavy rain
  
  

• Foundation cracks discovered post-inspection
  
  

Most cases are resolved privately when sellers show proof that the issue either:

1. Didn’t exist before closing, or
   
   

2. Was clearly disclosed in writing.
   
   

Transparency and good recordkeeping are your best allies.

🧠 Featured Snippet: How to Handle Post-Closing Repairs

1. Review your disclosure and contract terms.
   
   

2. Identify if the issue was pre-existing or new.
   
   

3. Respond professionally and document everything.
   
   

4. Check for home warranty coverage.
   
   

5. Seek mediation or legal help if needed.
   
   

🏁 Final Thoughts: Protect Yourself with Transparency

Post-closing repair disputes are rarely pleasant—but they don’t have to turn into full-blown battles.

If you were honest, disclosed what you knew, and handled repairs properly, you’re likely in the clear. Most issues can be resolved with calm communication, clear documentation, and professional guidance.

At Hanson Capital Homes, we help sellers throughout Chattanooga Valley and North Georgia protect themselves through every step of the sale—from disclosures to closing and beyond.

🎯 Need help reviewing your disclosure or dealing with a post-closing concern? Let’s talk through your options. Click here!