Top Fixes for Home Sellers to Tackle This National Homeownership Month

June is National Homeownership Month — a time to celebrate the value of homeownership and help homeowners make informed decisions about their property.

Hail storms, hurricanes and tornadoes make a home’s roof condition a top priority. Homebuyers (and their insurance companies) are highly sensitive to roof age. If your roof is 10 years old or more, insurance companies may not offer full replacement coverage and could impose higher deductibles, he explains.

What to do: If your roof is aging or has signs of wear, have it professionally inspected. If repairs or replacement are needed, address them before listing your home. It’s an investment that could prevent a deal from falling apart, Russ notes.

HVAC Systems

Homebuyers want peace of mind that a home’s heating and cooling systems are in good working order. An HVAC system that hasn’t been maintained — or worse, fails during the home inspection — can scare homebuyers off or invite renegotiation, Russ says.

What to do: Get your HVAC system professionally serviced and provide documentation to show it's been well maintained. If you’ve recently replaced parts like the furnace or air conditioning unit, include those details in your listing materials, he advises.

Swimming Pools or Septic Systems (if Applicable)

If your home has a pool, its condition can significantly influence a homebuyer’s decision, Russ says. Similarly, if your home has a septic system, an unexpected issue can raise serious concerns.

What to do: Have your pool inspected and serviced by a professional. Ensure pumps, filters, and liners are functioning properly. If you have a septic system, get it pumped and inspected, and provide the service record to potential homebuyers.

Electrical Systems

Electrical issues aren’t just a nuisance, they’re safety concerns. If homebuyers see problems like faulty outlets or outdated circuit breaker panels, they may question how well the home has been maintained overall.

What to do: Hire a licensed electrician to evaluate your system, and address issues like non-functional outlets, outdated wiring, or circuit breaker panel upgrades. Fixing these before listing your property demonstrates to homebuyers that your home is safe and move-in ready.

Plumbing Problems

Like electrical issues, plumbing problems can snowball into major concerns. Dripping faucets, slow drains, or leaky pipes can make homebuyers wonder what else is wrong with the property.

What to do: Fix all known plumbing issues before listing. Even simple repairs — like tightening fittings or replacing worn gaskets — can make a big difference during a home inspection.

 

Foundation and Drainage Concerns

In places with expansive clay soils, water retention around the home can cause foundations to shift or crack. This can be a major red flag for homebuyers, who may worry about structural integrity.

What to do: Look for signs of foundation movement like cracks in walls or floors, doors that stick, or sloping surfaces, he advises. If you see anything suspicious, bring in a professional to evaluate the situation and, if necessary, make repairs.

Systems like “piering” can stabilize foundations permanently and come with warranties that give homebuyers confidence. (Piering is a foundation repair technique that involves installing steel or concrete vertical anchors into the ground beneath a home to transfer the home’s weight to a more stable layer of soil or bedrock.)

Small problems can and do add up — especially on a home inspection report. If homebuyers see a long list of minor issues, it can create an impression of neglect and cause them to walk away or demand costly concessions.

National Homeownership Month is the perfect time to take proactive steps toward maximizing your home’s market appeal — whether you're preparing to list now or simply maintaining your investment for the future. Addressing these common home inspection concerns before listing will make your home more attractive, can help it sell faster, and reduce the stress of last-minute negotiations.

Thinking about selling your home? Find a local Engel & Völkers brand affiliated real estate advisor today to help you get ahead of an inspection and maximize your home’s market appeal.