35 yr old Weil-McLain boiler - unreasonable to ask for allowance to replace?

Question

A home inspection stated the tankless hot water Weil-McLain boiler was 'fully depreciated.' The inspector could not write in the report (due to possible liablity) that it was 'on its last legs' but said so verbally. It was visibly old and possibly original to the '72 home. What are my chances in having the sellers replace it or have them lower their asking price, if it was just running at 210 degrees rather than 180, making the hot water baseboards run hot (ave. 150 degrees) but still in working oder? I don't want it repaired or serviced, but given allowance to do so myself. Is that unreasonable?

Re: does the price reflect known issues that theyre not willing to fix?

Not that I know of. And I believe I was more than fair in my acceptance of 'their' final offer, only 9,000 less for a 519 home (originally listed at 539). I am trying to pick my battles wisely and see what they say to my list of concerns.

Answer 1

It's not unreasonable for you to ask because you're probably not telling the seller anything they don't know already. What your chances are of actually getting some money toward replacement is anyone's guess.

Everything depends on how motivate the seller is and how many offers they have on the house. 2 or 3 years ago, you'd have been laughed out of town if you'd have asked a seller to replace a boiler. That was then, this is now. The market in many cities has turned in favor of the buyer, so a motivated seller may very well agree to either replace the boiler or at least knock something off the purchase price.

I'd say get an estimate for a new boiler to show that you're not just making up the numbers. From there, you can negotiate with the seller, but be prepared to be reasonable.

Grouse

Answer 2

Don't close on this house unless they replace the boiler. If you do close you will replace the boiler in 1 year. You have to give me more information about this boiler. After 50 years of contracting, I have never heard of a tankless boiler? A tankless boiler is a hot air system?. As the boiler and welding inspector for N.Y.C. for 30 years also a contractor, I think you are being fluked?
Write me with some definite information and I will advise you.
[e-mail]

Answer 3

If the boiler is an issue, use it as a negotiation tool. Baseboard heat is preferable to forced air. I would go with an allowance, rather than them replacing, as you will get the system you want, not what they want. They will replace with the lowest bid, could be an inefficient system, and cost you more in the long run. You can allow them to get three bids, and take the lowest bid as your allowance, then get the system that you feel best.

Answer 4

Not unreasonable to request a price reduction for a major repair that will have to be made fairly soon. But depends on their asking price...does the price reflect known issues that theyre not willing to fix? a knowledgeable realtor could better help you as there are a few factors to consider as well as possible actions to take.