7 Common Issues Found in Houston Home Inspections (and How to Avoid Them)

Many of the most common issues found in Houston, TX home inspections can be remedied beforehand. Assuming that potential buyers can/will want to fix these issues themselves in exchange for a price reduction is just leaving money on the table! By addressing these issues before you even list your house, you have a chance to complete the repairs yourself or shop around for a great price — not to mention the fact that it improves your position at the negotiating table when it comes to closing the deal. It helps buyers perceive you as a conscientious home-owner who is selling a reliable, product and it will leave buyers feeling far more comfortable (and agreeable) to the terms of your deal.

So what are some of the top issues found in a home inspection and how do you avoid them?

1. HVAC — The heating ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system is a top priority for most buyers so make sure yours will pass with flying colors. Replace filters (and for heaven’s sake, vacuum/dust the air intake panels). We strongly recommend having a trusted HVAC company perform a tune up on your system prior to listing your home. They’ll be able to identify any potential issues and address them before inspection.

2. Electrical — Electrical problems are one of the top issues flagged by home inspectors. Replace burnt out light bulbs, repair any switches or outlets that you know no longer work, and update outlets to GFCI where necessary. For older homes, upgrading the main electrical panel before going on the market may be a smart investment, reassuring potential buyers that the system is safe and can handle upgrades.

3. Roof — Roof problems can kill a deal. Damaged shingles,broken or missing flashing, exposed nail heads, and old roof jack vents are top issues. Have a roofing company evaluate and do minor repairs prior to listing.

4. Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors — Make sure they are all in place and that they work! Check batteries and replace the units entirely, if necessary.

5. Water and Plumbing — Water issues are another red flag in home inspections, and the best way to handle them is to fix the cause, repair any resulting damage, and disclose it to potential buyers. Thinking it’s better just to not mention it? Home inspectors can often find evidence of prior repair work and will report it to the buyer—who may then walk away from the deal wondering what other issues you’re not disclosing. Fix leaks, drips, and clogged drains. Hire a pro for the big stuff. 

6. Pests — Repair any damage caused by rodents or insects and have records available of any treatments you’ve done.

7. Doors and Windows — These aren’t typically a huge deal for buyers since they’re less expensive to replace and may not pose a major safety concern, but it’s still a good idea to replace any cracked glass or broken doors. Make sure all doors and windows open and close smoothly, and weather stripping should be present where necessary and in good condition. Garage doors may require special attention because of their weight and operational mechanisms. Broken or bypassed safety sensors must be repaired and noisy motors or hardware should be addressed. We recommend getting a tune-up from a garage door specialist prior to listing.

Take the time and make the investment in repairing what you can BEFORE listing your home for sale. You’ll save money and time down the road when it comes to negotiations. If you’re ready to list your home and need a little advice on which repairs to prioritize, The Rhoades Team can help! Give us a call at (713) 515-3463 or visit us online at TheRhoadesTeam.com to set up an appointment!