Buyers have a keen eye. They want the home they buy to be a good value with no expensive “surprises” down the road.
They notice things as simple as overgrown landscaping, a stained carpet, chipped or dirty paint, a wobbly fence, or outdated fixtures. These details may seem minor, but they can leave a lasting impression. Most of these issues are cosmetic, and the cost of repairs is relatively low. However, they can cast doubt in buyers’ minds about the overall care of the home.
For example, if they see neglected exterior maintenance, they might start questioning whether the HVAC system has been serviced regularly or if the roof is nearing the end of its lifespan.
It’s a ripple effect—when one thing looks off, people start wondering what else could be wrong.
Once a home is under contract, we bring in an inspector to comb through every inch of the home, and most of the time, the issues they find are minor—a leaky faucet, a loose handrail, or an older water heater that’s still working but might need replacement soon. These are things that can easily be addressed without much hassle.
But, every now and then, bigger surprises pop up. Major water damage in the basement, mold hidden behind a wall, or a roof that has been patched up so many times it’s practically on its last leg. There could be an HVAC system that’s on its final breath or even outdated electrical work that needs immediate attention.
The good news is that all of these bigger problems can be avoided with routine maintenance.
If you take care of small repairs as they come up, you won’t have to worry about bigger, more expensive fixes down the road. Neglecting even minor issues can lead to long-term damage that becomes costly to fix.
My advice? Walk around your home and property with a keen eye—look for the small things you might have missed. If you’ve got an older home, it may be worth scheduling a preemptive inspection. That way, you can catch any potential problems early, before they grow into something major.
Enjoy this beautiful fall season, and if you need any help or advice, I’m always here to assist.