Read Time: 6 minutes
Video: Here’s our 6 minute video explaining our Playbook.
The building report came back with six issues, two leaks, and one buyer on the edge of pulling out.
We had 48 hours left on finance...
Luckily, we sent them a website (FixFigure) that provides an estimated quote to complete the works in under 5 minutes.
“We love the house,” they said.
“But with all this in the report, are we really meant to go ahead?”
The tension is real.
Your client wants the property.
They’ve found the one.
But the building report throws a cloud over the deal.
Drainage, roof wear, wiring issues.
Nothing dramatic on its own, but together it sounds expensive.
They know they should ask for a discount.
But how much?
Based on what?
They have no idea how to price the repairs, and time is running out.
They don’t want to lose the house.
But they also can’t move forward without feeling like they’ve covered themselves.
And that’s the real problem:
How do you cost out repairs with only 48 hours to go?
Most first home buyers don’t know any tradies.
Tradies are reluctant to give a quote if they won’t get to complete the work.
First home buyers are not sure who to trust.
They panic.
Some overpay; others walk away.
The clock keeps ticking.
If your client doesn’t act, one of three things usually happens:
From the broker’s side, you’re stuck.
You need lender signoff.
But without a detailed quote, the bank and the seller will be reluctant to approve the negotiations.
Most buyers fall into one of three common traps:
1. The Round Number Ask
“Let’s ask for $10K off.”
There’s no breakdown. No backing. The number feels made up, because it is.
2. The Mate’s Estimate
“My mate reckons it’s a $6K job.”
Verbal estimates might comfort the buyer, but they carry no weight with the seller or the bank.
3. The DIY Plan
“Let’s just fix it later. I am sick of open homes”
Unless your client is a tradie, this usually ends in budget blowouts or delayed maintenance that costs more further down the line.
Upload Your Building Report – FixFigure AI Analysis
When time is tight, FixFigure is the fastest way to turn a messy building report into a clear action plan.
Your client uploads their report to FixFigure, and within 5 minutes they receive:
No chasing contractors.
No guesswork.
No stress.
Just a credible quote, ready to use.
Clients had an offer accepted on a 3-bedroom home in Mt Eden.
The building report flagged electrical safety issues, poor insulation, drainage concerns, and roof maintenance.
With 48 hours left on their finance clause, we uploaded the report to FixFigure.
The cost summary came back the next morning:
We used this to justify a price reduction of $11,150.
The seller came back with their own quote at $8,000.
The buyers negotiated to meet at $9,500.
We disclosed this to the bank and provided commentary that the price reduction was due to maintenance issues.
Warning: This is more difficult if there are structural or weathertightness issues.
This will impact the bank’s appetite to fund the purchase.
The bank approved the new purchase price within 36 hours.
No stress.
No guesswork.
Just a clear, supported case.
When a building report turns up problems, share this simple decision tree with your client:
✅ Most common
✅ Needs a detailed quote (FixFigure does this)
✅Allows the buyer to control the quality of work later
⚠️ Only works if the job is small and time allows
⚠️ Buyer loses control over workmanship
⚠️ More complex legal drafting and costs
✅ Works for minor issues
⚠️ Only if your buyer has the funds and understands the risk and costs
Always remind your client the bank won’t lend more to cover repairs.
Any agreed discount reduces lending, not increases it.
FixFigure provides a price estimate for all 3 Options.
With results in less than 5 minutes, it is a game-changer for any last minute price reductions.
