What You Can Still Negotiate After Your Offer Is Accepted in California Real Estate

So your offer was accepted—congrats! You’re officially in escrow. But don’t think the negotiations are over just yet.

In California real estate, some of the most impactful negotiations happen post-acceptance. This is your chance to uncover new information and potentially renegotiate price, repairs, or closing costs—if you know your rights and act strategically.

Here’s what you need to know:

What’s Still Negotiable After Offer Acceptance?

Once you’re in escrow, you're protected by contingencies—usually inspection, appraisal, and loan. These clauses give you the right to cancel or renegotiate if issues arise.

 Can You Renegotiate the Sales Price?

Yes—but only under certain conditions.
If the appraisal comes in low or the inspection reveals major problems, you can request a price reduction. However:

Any change to the purchase price must be approved by your lender

• It affects your loan-to-value (LTV) ratio and qualifying limits

• Always run the revised terms past your loan officer before finalizing
  

• Repairs: What Can You Request?
  
  

Inspections nearly always turn up something. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Lender-Required Repairs

If you’re financing the purchase, your lender may require certain issues to be resolved before closing—especially with FHA, VA, or USDA loans. These typically include:

• Roof leaks

• Faulty electrical

• Missing smoke/carbon monoxide detectors

• Health or safety concerns

These must be fixed, or the lender may deny funding.

2. Negotiable Repairs or Credits

Cosmetic issues or deferred maintenance (like old appliances, stained carpet, or cracked tiles) are fair game—but not required.

✅ Pro Tip: Focus your repair requests on issues that were not disclosed or visible prior to offer submission to strengthen your case.

Closing Costs: Can You Shift the Burden?

Absolutely. Buyers in California can ask the seller to cover some or all of their closing costs—either at the offer stage or after inspections.

Common negotiable closing costs include:

• Escrow fees

• Title insurance

• Transfer taxes

• Loan fees or discount points

Like price changes, all closing cost credits must be approved by your lender since they reduce your net out-of-pocket contribution.

Lender Approval: Don’t Skip This Step

Whether it’s a $5,000 repair credit or a price reduction, your lender must approve any post-acceptance changes that affect the contract price or financing terms.

Their job is to make sure the new terms still meet underwriting standards and that your qualifying ratios remain in check.

 In Summary: Your Power Doesn’t End at Acceptance

• You can still negotiate repairs, credits, and in some cases, price

• Lender-required repairs are non-negotiable if financing is involved

• Any price-affecting changes must be cleared with your lender

• Use the inspection and appraisal windows to advocate for fair adjustments

• Stay focused, realistic, and work closely with your agent to craft strong, reasonable requests

Final Thoughts

Post-acceptance isn’t just paperwork—it’s one of the last chances to protect your investment. Done right, it can save you thousands and ensure peace of mind.