The “Big 5” that can kill your home sale

Dear clients and friends,

When it comes to selling your home, few things strike more fear into a seller’s heart than the home inspection. You’ve accepted an offer, you’re excited to move forward—and then the buyer hires an inspector. What happens next can either be a formality… or a deal breaker. There are five issues—what we call The Big 5—that can truly jeopardize your sale if not properly addressed.

The Big 5 Home Inspection Deal-Killers

1. Water Intrusion Water is public enemy number one in real estate. Signs of leakage, standing water, or past damage—especially in basements, roofs, or around windows—can instantly alarm a buyer. And they’re not just looking for the damage itself… they want to know the source has been fixed.

2. Wood-Boring Insect Infestation Termites and other wood-destroying insects are a silent menace. Since most homes are made primarily of wood, an active infestation—or even signs of past damage—will nearly always trigger a call to action. Expect buyers to ask for treatment and proof of repair.

3. Structural Problems Foundation cracks, uneven floors, or sagging beams can suggest deeper problems. Structural issues make buyers worry the house isn’t sound—and no one wants to invest in a home that might literally not stand the test of time.

4. Safety Hazards These include everything from faulty electrical panels to toxic radon levels. Even seemingly minor issues—like a double-tapped circuit breaker—can be flagged as fire hazards. If it poses a safety risk, you can bet it’ll be on the fix-it list.

5. Major Mechanical Failures HVAC, plumbing, electrical systems, sewer lines—these are the heart and guts of your home. When one of these breaks down or nears the end of its lifespan, it’s a big red flag. Not only are repairs costly, but buyers often won’t proceed without knowing these systems are fully functional.

How to Protect Your Sale

Here’s the good news: You can prepare. A pre-listing inspection can help you identify and correct these issues before you ever hit the market. At the very least, being aware of these five areas gives you the opportunity to plan ahead and avoid surprise negotiations or, worse, a canceled contract.

The Next Step

If you’re thinking about selling your home this spring—or you know someone who is—we’d love to help. There are simple, strategic steps we can take to safeguard your sale from the Big 5 inspection pitfalls.