by Why Professionals Suggest Leaving Repairs for Warranty — And Why Buyers Should Be Cautious
| Professional Role | Why They Suggest Warranty After Closing | How It Benefits Them | How It Impacts the Buyer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Realtors | Encourage closing to avoid delays caused by repairs | Commission is paid at closing; deal risk is eliminated | Buyer loses leverage; Realtor is no longer involved in warranty issues |
| Builder Sales Teams | Push to meet monthly or quarterly sales targets | Bonuses and performance metrics tied to closed homes | Repairs become lower priority once the sale is complete |
| Sales Associates | Minimize repair concerns to keep the deal moving | Faster closings improve sales numbers and incentives | Buyer must manage warranty claims instead of receiving completed work |
| Construction Managers / Superintendents | Shift unresolved items to warranty to stay on schedule | Meet build timelines, protect bonuses, reduce workload | Repairs move to slower warranty system with less urgency |
| Construction Managers (Workload Reality) | Avoid calling subcontractors back and re-inspecting | Less follow-up, fewer site visits, quicker turnover | Buyer may experience repeated delays and incomplete repairs |
| Warranty Departments | Handle issues after closing rather than before | Centralized scheduling and controlled costs | Long wait times and limited repair scope are common |
Before Closing vs After Closing Comparison
| Stage | Builder Motivation | Repair Speed | Buyer Leverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Before Closing | Must complete repairs to get paid | Faster and more urgent | Strong |
| After Closing (Warranty) | Repairs are service requests | Slower and often delayed | Weak |
Buyer Takeaway
| Key Fact | What It Means for You |
|---|---|
| Warranty is not completion | Known issues should be fixed before closing |
| Closing removes leverage | Builders are no longer pressured to act quickly |
| Promises are not guarantees | Verbal assurances do not enforce timelines |
| Inspections still matter | New construction can still have defects |
Bottom Line
| Best Practice | Why It Protects You |
|---|---|
| Fix repairs before closing | Keeps leverage with the buyer |
| Use a written punch list | Creates accountability |
| Get a professional inspection | Identifies issues early |
| Avoid “we’ll fix it later” | Prevents post-closing frustration |
- About the Author
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I’m Rich Noto, a Florida Realtor & Home Inspector with a focus on the best price house, and quality new construction oversight. I specialize in new house purchases which includes getting homes built to Florida Residential Building Codes and Manufactures Installation Instructions.
I help homebuyers beyond the “standard Real Estate sales agent” (who may disappear after purchase contract) by dealing with sales, construction managers, attending/monitoring inspections, and spotting defects. This helps buyers catch problems early.
Builders pay my commission so my service costs buyers nothing. Does not apply after buyer is in contract(all builders) or has contacted the builder alone(some builders). This top rated service is available at any town throughout Florida.
Any agent can “sell new homes” or be a “high volume seller” or have “builder relationships”. Sales marketing has nothing to do with understanding constructions defects. Home Defects are the main expense a homeowner will have and can cost home owners thousands of $$$. Depreciating future resale value.
I enjoy teaching my customers how new homes are built. How to identify water intrusion. And the steps to keep a house well maintained to prevent leaks over time. Out of state buyers get special walkthrough and inspection videos.
Whether its a completed move-in ready inventory house, or a to be built custom on the land, or a spec house. You deserve the best quality for your money.