Just hold back twice the estimated repair cost in escrow from their proceeds. Release it when the repair is completed to your satisfaction.The only ones that can instruct escrow to not close are the principals ( buyer and seller ) only . Agents don't legally have the right to. An escrow holdback is a way to ensure that sellers will complete agreedupon repairs. Learn how to create a repair escrow to ensure the home seller makes repairs even after the sale and honors promises from your negotiations pre-closing. You could go to court and file a claim, put off closing, get a closing credit, ask the seller to prepay for repairs, or get funds held in escrow. It is very common for a buyer and seller to negotiate a seller credit in lieu of repairs after a buyer does a home inspection. An escrow holdback can benefit both buyers and sellers in some situations. For buyers, it can ensure that the repairs are done properly and in a timely manner.