Having been in the mortgage industry for almost 20 years, it is up to the seller to pay for all repairs, unless it is a HUD, then it is sold "as is". There are some realtors (not good ones thought) who will mislead the borrower and tell them they have to pay for repairs. Usually, they also have the sellers business too. Also, it use to be any large repairs could be put into the contract, with seller concessions, however, I don't know of any lender who will allow that now. I would have him contact another Realtor who is looking out for his best interest.