As someone who's successfully built and sold two real estate companies with over $1 billion in sales each, I've seen thousands of home inspections. The number one thing sellers should do before an inspection is resolve any roof issues. In my 20+ years of experience, problematic roofs kill more deals than anything else. Our ez Home Search data shows homes with documented roof inspections sell 40% faster than those without. Sellers most commonly "fail" inspections by having electrical systems that don't meet current code requirements. Particilarly in older homes, outdated electrical panels can become instant deal-breakers. I've had buyers walk away from otherwise perfect homes in coastal Carolina markets simply because of Federal Pacific or Zinsco panels that inspectors flagged as fire hazards. For resolving inspection issues, I recommend pre-emptively conducting your own inspection before listing. Our market data across all 50 states shows sellers who invest $500-1,000 in pre-listing inspections typically save $3,000-5,000 in negotiation concessions. I recently had a Michigan seller complete a $650 pre-inspection that identified foundation concerns, allowing them to obtain repair quotes before the buyer ever made an offer. Construction-related issues are best handled by offering repair credits rather than attempting to complete work before closing. When one of our ez Home Search partners in Connecticut encountered a $12,000 HVAC replacement demand during inspection, they successfully counter-offered with a $6,000 credit allowing the buyers to choose their own contractor and system after closing.
As a commercial broker who regularly advises clients on property transitions, I've seen inspection issues tank deals at the finish line. The #1 thing sellers should do before inspection is conduct a pre-inspection of their HVAC system. Last year, I had a flex-space listing where a faulty rooftop unit scared off buyers despite the property's perfect location - a simple $600 maintenance would've prevented a $25,000 price reduction. Sellers commonly fail inspections by ignoring water intrusion evidence. I recently helped a client reposition a retail asset where old ceiling stains (that weren't currently leaking) triggered lender concerns requiring a full structural assessment, delaying closing by 3 weeks. For resolving inspection issues, I've found the most successful approach is preparing a transparent "disclosure package" with contractor estimates for ALL issues - but offering credit rather than repairs. In a recent warehouse transaction, the seller created a comprehensive PDF with three quotes for each flagged item and offered 80% of the median estimate as credit. This approach maintained the closing timeline while building tremendous trust with the buyer.
As a short-term rental owner who's managed multiple properties in Detroit, I've seen my share of inspection issues from both sides of the transaction. When renovating older lofts into stylish accommodations, proper preparation before inspections has saved me thousands in negotiation headaches. The number one thing a seller should do before inspection is test all electrical outlets and make sure GFCIs are working properly. I once had a sale nearly fall through when an inspector found over 60% of outlets in my property weren't grounded correctly - something I could have identified and fixed for under $300 beforehand. Sellers can absolutely fail inspections by hiding known issues. I've seen sellers place furniture strategically to hide water damage or apply fresh paint over mold. These tactics backfire spectacularly when finded, often turning small repairs into deal-vreakers due to the breach of trust. For resolving inspection issues, I recommend offering credit rather than making last-minute repairs yourself. When one of my properties needed a new water heater right before closing, I offered the buyers a $1,200 credit instead of rushing a replacement. They appreciated choosing their own contractor and timeline, which kept the deal moving forward smoothly without delays or additional tension.
What do you think is the number one thing a seller should do before a home inspection? The biggest thing is simple: get ahead of the small stuff. We always tell sellers to walk through the home with a buyer's mindset. Fixing things like loose railings, leaky faucets, missing smoke detectors, those little issues send a signal about how well the home has been maintained. It shows pride of ownership and gives inspectors less to flag. Are there things sellers can do to fail a home inspection? "Fail" might be a strong word, but yes, neglecting obvious problems or trying to hide them can absolutely kill buyer confidence. For example, painting over water stains instead of fixing the leak just raises red flags. Inspectors (and buyers) notice when something feels off, and it can unravel a deal fast. What's the best way for sellers to resolve issues found in an inspection? (Repairs or Negotiation Tactics) It really depends on the issue. For major repairs, like roofing, electrical, or structural problems, it's often better to get a few quotes and offer a credit rather than doing rushed work right before closing. For smaller fixes, taking care of them proactively can smooth the negotiation. The goal is to reduce friction, so being transparent and solution-focused always wins.
# The #1 pre-inspection tip for sellers? Clean out your CRM, not just your closets! As a real estate leader who's guided thousands of transactions, I've seen the inspection process make or break deals. Before inspection day, I recommend sellers conduct their own pre-inspection walk-through focusing on functionality of all major systems. This isn't about cosmetics - it's about verifying everything works as intended, from HVAC to plumbing to electrical outlets. Sellers can absolutely "fail" inspections by restricting access to areas like crawl spaces, electrical panels, or attics. I recently worked with a seller who innocently stored boxes against a foundation wall, which made the inspector flag potential structural issues that didn't exist - simply because they couldn't see the full wall. For resolving inspection issues, data is your friend. When a Digital Maverick client faced a buyer demanding $9,000 in electrical repairs, we helped the seller obtain three separate licensed electrician quotes showing only $1,800 in necessary work. This documented approach created leverage during negotiations far better than emotional arguments or flat refusals. I've found the most successful resolution strategy is transparency and prioritization. Rather than trying to fix everything, focus on safety issues first, then big-ticket mechanical items. As Jon Cheplak often teaches our clients, "Never let ego override economics" - sometimes a $2,000 repair credit is smarter than losing a $500,000 sale over principle.
As a roofing contractor who's overseen thousands of inspections over my 17+ years in the industry, I can tell you the number one thing sellers should do before a home inspection is clean and clear their gutters and downspouts. At A-TEX Roofing, we frequently see minor drainage issues flagged as major concerns simply because debris-filled gutters make it impossible for inspectors to verify proper water diversion from the foundation. Sellers can definitely fail home inspections by concealing roof damage. Just last month, we had a client who tried covering water stains with paint rather than addressing the actual roof leak. The inspector caught it immediately, resulting in a much larger repair cost and damaged trust with the buyers. Always disclose known issues upfront. For resolving inspection issues related to roofing, I've found the most effective approach is getting an independent assessment from a specialized contractor rather than relying solely on the general inspector's report. Recently, a client in San Antonio was facing a $15,000 roof replacement demand from buyers based on an inspector's findings, but our detailed assessment showed only $2,200 in necessary repairs. Having this documented assessment gave the seller legitimate negotiating power. Consider offering a transferable workmanship warranty for any roof repairs you make. We provide these to our clients, and they've proven invaluable during negotiations since they give buyers peace of mind that extends beyond closing. This approach has saved countless deals that might otherwise have fallen through over roof concerns.
# I'm Mike Martinez, Denver home remodeling professional As someone who's managed countless renovation projects across Denver Metro, I've witnessed many last-minute inspevtion curveballs. The #1 pre-inspection task I recommend is addressing water-related issues. Replace cracked caulking, fix dripping faucets, and ensure proper drainage away from foundations. Just last month, a Broomfield client spent $200 on these simple fixes, avoiding $2,500+ in negotiation concessions. Sellers absolutely risk "failing" inspections through deferred maintenance. The biggest red flags I see are amateur electrical work and unpermitted structural modifications. DIY wiring not only scares buyers but creates legitimate safety hazards that kill deals immediately. When resolving inspection issues, my most successful clients offer quality contractor bids rather than just credits or DIY fixes. This transparency builds trust and demonstrates good faith. Recently, a Westminster homeowner provided three detailed quotes from reputable contractors for basement waterproofing work, maintaining their asking price while giving buyers confidence in the remedy plan.
From my 15 years in real estate, I've found that checking all utilities are on and working is absolutely crucial before an inspection - I once had a seller forget to turn on the water, which delayed everything by days. Generally speaking, sellers can definitely fail inspections by ignoring obvious red flags like leaky faucets or non-functioning HVAC systems - I've seen small issues spiral into deal-breakers. When it comes to resolving inspection issues, I always recommend getting multiple contractor quotes and offering repair credits rather than rushing into fixes yourself, since this gives buyers more confidence and control.
In my experience handling over 200 home inspections, the fastest way to fail is ignoring water damage or trying to cover it up - I remember one seller who painted over mold, and it cost them thousands more in repairs when discovered. I always tell my clients to be upfront about known issues and get estimates for repairs beforehand, which often leads to smoother negotiations than trying to hide problems.
I recently helped my client avoid major inspection headaches by having them deep clean their house and clear access to all utility areas first - the inspector actually thanked us for making his job easier. From my experience consulting, I've found that blocked access to electrical panels, HVAC units, or crawl spaces is the fastest way to get flagged for reinspection, so I always recommend sellers do a thorough decluttering at least a week before.
What do you think is the number one thing a seller should do before a home inspection? Sellers need to focus on making their property presentable and accessible when preparing for a home inspection. Begin by decluttering and organizing to create an inviting space and ensure easy access to key areas like HVAC units and water heaters. The home should demonstrate good maintenance through the repair of small issues and paint touch-ups. The home should be staged with care by removing personal items to create clean welcoming spaces which help buyers see themselves living there. Are there things sellers can do to fail a home inspection? The failure of a home inspection occurs when sellers do not prepare adequately or when they conceal water damage or fail to disclose problems or ignore maintenance needs. The prevention of this issue requires sellers to fix known problems while maintaining full disclosure and keeping their property in good condition before listing it for sale. This approach minimizes buyer concerns and reduces both time and financial expenses. What's the best way for sellers to resolve issues found in an inspection? The most effective method for sellers to address home inspection issues depends on the particular situation and the negotiation strategies employed by both parties. The seller should consider fixing issues before closing because this approach provides buyers with assurance and may boost property value. The most appropriate solution in certain cases involves negotiating a reduced price or offering financial credits during the closing process. Sellers need to evaluate their choices thoroughly while seeking guidance from their real estate agent during these negotiations.
In my opinion, every seller should approach a home inspection with the understanding that their home is going under scrutiny and that the property conditions and functionality of the property's systems would be thoroughly evaluated, this is why I believe that the number one thing a seller should do before a home inspection is to do a thorough cleaning of the entire home, making extra sure that those hidden areas like attics, behind appliances, and crawlspace, are not left out of the cleaning process, because the truth is that it's always amazing how much difference a thorough cleaning before the inspection can make. You see, even if the home is cleaned before inspection, the inspector can access all areas easily and is therefore able to give a more accurate report of the home's conditions. Whereas, if the home is cluttered and dirty, the inspector may struggle with accessing certain areas, and when inspection is hindered in this way chances are that the assessment would be inaccurate and could cost sellers more down the line. In a very unique way, a home inspection is a test, and one that sellers often fail when they aren't transparent about known issues with their property, don't provide full access to all areas of the home, ignore certain repairs, and are uncooperative or hostile during the inspection. The way I see it, the best way for sellers to resolve issues found in an inspection, is through negotiation tactics. You see, with negotiation, sellers would be able to find a mutually beneficial solution that works for them, and their buyer, without causing a hold-up to the transaction process. Plus, there is also the fact that taking on the repair can be more costly than reaching a compromise with the buyer by negotiating a win-win situation where every party involved gets a fair outcome with their needs and interests being taken into consideration.
In my experience handling inspection negotiations, I've found that getting multiple contractor quotes for major issues gives sellers the most leverage. When my recent client's inspection revealed a failing HVAC, we got three quotes and offered the middle price as a credit, which felt fair to both parties. I usually suggest offering repair credits instead of doing repairs yourself - it gives buyers choice and closes deals faster.
# What's the number one thing sellers should do before a home inspection? As someone who's inspected hundreds of roofs in South Florida's unique climate, I'd say roof maintenance is the most overlooked pre-inspection task. Many sellers don't realize that inspectors immediately head to the roof, where visible damage can trigger deeper concerns about the entire property. Before listing, invest in a professional roof inspection - it costs $200-400 but can prevent $5,000+ in negotiation losses or derailed sales. # Can sellers fail a home inspection? The fastest way to fail an inspection is having outdated or improperly installed hurricane protection systems, especially on roofs. In Florida, improper hurricane straps or outdated materials that don't meet current code often trigger automatic "red flag" designations. I've seen buyers walk away from otherwise perfect homes because the roof wasn't properly hurricane-rated, which inspectors always note. # Best way to resolve inspection issues? Focus on documentation and professional repairs for roofing issues rather than price reductions. When one of our clients faced a concerning inspection about roof leaks, we provided a certified inspection report with thermal imaging showing the moisture was actually from an AC condensation issue, not a roof failure. This documentation prevented a $15,000 roof replacement demand and saved the sale. Quality repair documentation from licensed professionals carries more weight than quick fixes or allowances.
I've noticed sellers often shoot themselves in the foot by blocking access to certain areas, like crawl spaces or electrical panels, which automatically raises red flags for inspectors. Just last week, I had to reschedule an inspection because the seller had huge storage boxes blocking the electrical panel and HVAC system. My advice is to clear a 3-foot path to all major systems before the inspector arrives - it shows transparency and saves everyone time.
As a plumber who's been on countless home inspections in Denver, I've seen that the number one thing sellers should do is check for active water leaks. Even small drips under sinks or around toilets can signal major red flags to inspectors and buyers, creating unnecessary negotiation problems. I recently saved a seller thousands in concessions by finding and fixing a simple supply line leak that would have shown up as "active water damage" on the report. Sellers often unknowingly fail inspections by not checking drainage. When drains are slow or backing up, it suggests potential sewer line issues that can trigger expensive camera inspections. We've seen inspection reports demand full sewer line replacements ($5,000-15,000) when sometimes just professional drain cleaning would resolve the issue. For resolving inspection findings, I recommend tackling plumbing issues with licensed professionals rather than price concessions. Documentation matters enormously. When a Westminster client received a concerning inspection report about water pressure issues, we provided pressure testing documentation showing the municipal supply was the cause - not their home's plumbing. This documentation allowed them to avoid a costly repipe the buyer initially demanded. Rather than DIY fixes or concessions, focus on main shut-off valves and water heaters. These are inspector magnets. Last month, I replaced an inaccessible main shut-off valve for $350 that prevented a $3,000 concession request. Similarly, having documentation of recent water heater maintenance or replacements provides confidence to buyers that costly emergencies aren't imminent.
I discovered that sellers who do their own pre-inspection about a month before listing catch around 80% of potential issues, which saves them from surprise repairs and gives them time to shop around for better contractor rates. When my client did this last spring, we found a minor roof leak early and got it fixed for half what it would've cost if found during the buyer's inspection with time pressure.
As a second-generation garage door business owner with 20+ years in the industry, I've been on hundreds of home inspections and seen how garage doors can make or break a sale. The number one thing sellers should do before a home inspection is lubricate and adjust their garage door. In Anthem's desert climate especially, heat causes lubricants to dry out quickly. I've seen countless deals complicated when a stiff, noisy door signals neglect to inspectors. Sellers absolutely can fail inspections through outdated safety features. Modern garage doors require photo eye sensors and auto-reverse mechanisms - I've seen inspectors flag homes where these were disabled or malfunctioning, creating major liability concerns for buyers. For resolving inspection issues, I recommend professional spring replacements over price concessions. Springs have a predictable lifecycle (about 10,000 cycles) and are better addressed pre-sale. Recently, a client in Buckeye had their sale streamlined when we provided documentation showing we'd installed high-cycle springs with a clear warranty, giving the buyer confidence rather than a reason to negotiate down.
As a commercial real estate investor specializing in Alabama markets, I've overseen numerous property inspections both as a seller and buyer. For sellers, the number one pre-inspection task is addressing deferred maintenance items—particularly roof and foundation issues. I recently had a medical office building sale nearly fall through because water intrusion from a minor roof leak had created hidden structural damage that cost $15,000 to repair. Sellers can definitely fail inspections by misrepresenting property conditions. I've seen commercial deals collapse when sellers claimed systems were operational when they weren't—particularly with older HVAC systems or electrical panels that weren't up to code. Be transparent about known issues. For resolving inspection issues, I recommend a hybrid approach of credits versus repairs. At MicroFlex, we typically offer repair credits rather than rushing repairs ourselves. This builds trust with buyers and gives them control over the repair process while avoiding delays in closing. In one of our Auburn properties, offering a $8,500 credit for parking lot resurfacing instead of attempting quick fixes preserved the deal and timeline.
As a Master Electrician with 15+ years of experience and owner of JD Electrical Home Solutions, I've been on the front lines of countless home inspections across Denver's Front Range. The number one thing sellers should do before a home inspection is verify all GFCI outlets are functioning properly. These safety devices are immediate red flags for inspectors, and I've seen deals complicated when buyers find non-functioning GFCIs in kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor areas. Last month, a client in Denver avoided a $1,200 concession by having us perform a simple $300 GFCI update before listing. Sellers unknowingly fail inspections by having overloaded electrical panels. When circuit breakers are doubled-up or panels show signs of amateur modifications, inspectors will flag these as serious safety concerns. I recently saw a home sale nearly collapse when an inspector finded a 100-amp panel with 150 amps worth of circuits – a clear fire hazard that required immediate attention. For resolving electrical issues found during inspection, I recommend getting multiple quotes from licensed electricians rather than offering credits. Documentation is crucial. When a client in Lakewood faced a buyer demanding $5,000 for "outdated wiring," we provided a detailed inspection report showing only specific circuits needed updating for $1,200. This professional assessment prevented an unnecessary negotiation battle and kept the sale on track.