1-1 1/2% set aside in escrow for repairs,how much is left after roof is repaired for $995? If it isn't specified what is to be done, they may just keep spending your escrow on miscellaneous repairs until it is depleted...I'd want it in writing what the escrow $$ is to be used for

So it doesn't look like you came to an agreement of what exactly you as the buyer wanted fixed. It looks like the seller is just agreeing to the needed shingles to be repaired and replaced. What does your contract say? You should have an ammendment to the contract that specifies the things you wanted done and signed/initialed by both parties do you have this?

If so I would start getting my own quotes and not trust the seller to pick the person who should fix things for your house, since it will be yours when it is done. Based on those quotes re-write the amendement with the amount of money to be in escrow for the work needed.

oops, YOU are the buyer....Forget what i said,lol....If i were you, i'd forget/ignore the estimate and report of roof by the seller, and get my own.. you have a home inspection, why aren't those issues addressed? All problems,except the roof, should be done prior to closing..But be certain the escrow set aside will cover the roof...

Definitely get your own estimate and hire your own roofer to do the repairs! Do NOT trust your seller in this regard. My DH and I bought a house in July in Iowa. During the inspection, the HI found a roof leak in a valley and the sellers had it "repaired." Their repair turned out to be ineffective when we had another leak and ended up having to pay $1200 to replace shingles and flashing. This was post-close so we had no recourse.

I wouldn't wait until closing to resolve this. Here's a story about a new home owner who's builder wanted to close before all the problems had been worked out. Some of the info might be useful.

Don't pay builder until home's built right
By Steve McLinden • Bankrate.com

Dear Steve,
My builder can only obtain a 30-day temporary certificate of occupancy due to code deficiencies noted by the city. He claims he cannot correct deficiencies until materials arrive that are on order. He wants to go ahead and close on the sale. He claims he is liable, as the builder, to correct the deficiencies. I am concerned the liability will transfer to me upon closing. What are your thoughts, and how can I protect myself? Thanks.
-- Suspicious Stacy

Dear Stacy,
If you're looking for a brief answer on whether you should close your deal based on the builder's promises, here it is in three words: No, no, no! If you close and hand over your money, you may relinquish the only leverage you have in this matter and possibly be stuck with a home that's at least temporarily uninhabitable and may even require thousands of dollars to fix.

While I'm not quick to refer readers to attorneys, you need an experienced real estate lawyer, and pronto. If you have friends or colleagues who can recommend one, fine. Or you might go to the Web site of the National Association of Consumer Advocates for the names and numbers of legal experts in the real estate field in just about every major market. Brief bios give their areas of expertise.

While you're waiting for your appointment, contact the city's code-enforcement division and ask to speak to the inspector who found the deficiencies at the site. The inspectors are usually out most of the day, so you'll probably have to leave a message. Note that it's an emergency. It is -- for you!

When you do speak with the inspector, ask how serious the new home's problems really are, how they arose and what caused them. Realize that they don't want to get involved in a legal controversy, so you may have to read between the lines of the responses. Try to get an idea of what's truly needed to fix the problems.

You may also want to call the Better Business Bureau and ask for the track record of the builder. And keep that phone number handy: You may have to call them back with your complaint.

Meanwhile, take a long look at that contract you signed with the builder. Take it with you to the attorney's office, along with any pertinent correspondence or records. You might have an "out" for builder nonperformance -- assuming you can bear to part with the house. Most contracts say the contractor must "substantially comply" with terms of the construction agreement. If a 30-day certificate of occupancy is the best the builder can offer before closing, you probably have solid legal footing.

Even if the builder is indeed liable for fixing the problems, it doesn't mean he will correct them down the road, even if those individual deficiencies are covered specifically in your contract and (or) by local government requirements, says Beau Brincefield, a real estate attorney in Alexandria, Va., and author of "Brincefield's Guide to Buying a Home; The Twenty-One Biggest Mistakes People Make When Buying a Home."

Many people think they're dealing with a reputable "name" builder when they're getting a new house, but some builders make a habit of setting up different limited-liability subsidiaries that have no assets from subdivision to subdivision, says Brincefield. So even if there's a judgment against them, they may have nothing to pay it with.

Of course, the problems in your new home may actually be minor and the builder may fix them as soon as materials come in. But don't count on it. Act quickly. Be persistent and firm. Don't leave anything to chance. And good luck.

the specifics of the needed work are listed in the amendment and they (seller)are to place 1 1/2 % in an escrow to cover expenses and any extra $ returned to them. But what if it cost more then what they have put in the escrow to fix?

we are waiting to hear today for a revised quote hopefully that details the work to be done. Otherwise, we will scramble to find our own roofing estimate? and I am thinking we should have a lawyer now too, I don't know?

I think you need to get your own roofing company to give you an estimate and not one the seller picks.

I would never use the repairman that the seller chooses. Their tendency would be to do the fix for cheap...and cheap doesn't usually mean good quality.

I'd also consult with a lawyer. At least get some advice over the phone....now.

Thank you all for good advice. We are having someone we know that does roofing work hopefully look at it tomorrow am. I am waiting too for word back on consultation from a lawyer who may be able to be present at closing next week. I will send an update and I hope its a happy one. Thanks again!

well, the roof contractor we know looked and quoted 12,000+ for new roof needed. Pretty sure they wont escrow 1 1/2 % that for us to replace a roof! Any advice on what our options are or if we have any options? Is it too late to ask them to lower the price 12,000? or too late to just say forget it your 995 fix isnt good enough so we dont want the house?