Selling your home can feel a little like putting on a show. You scrub, you stage, you fluff the throw pillows just so. But once a buyer falls in love, there’s still the not-so-glamorous part: the inspection. That’s when the flashlight comes out, the inspector pokes around, and suddenly there’s a list of “issues” that makes it sound like your home is about to collapse.

Here’s the secret. Most of those repairs buyers ask for are predictable. The same handful of things pop up over and over again. Which means you can get ahead of them. Handle a few quick fixes before you list, and you’ll save yourself from stressful last-minute negotiations later.

Electrical and Plumbing: The “Behind the Scenes” Stars

Think of these as the unsung heroes of your house. They’re not flashy, but they keep everything running. Buyers and inspectors love to nitpick here, because no one wants surprise sparks or unexpected water features.

What usually pops up: Dripping faucets, outlets that don’t work, breaker panels that look like they belong in a museum. On the scarier end, old wiring or leaky pipes.
How to get ahead: Have a plumber and electrician swing by before you list. They can handle the little stuff in an hour or two. If you’ve done bigger upgrades (new water heater, updated panel), gather the paperwork. Buyers perk up when they see receipts.

It’s not exciting work, but it makes buyers feel like the house has been taken care of, and that’s the energy you want.

Roof, Gutters, and Drainage: The Big Ticket Worry

Nothing makes buyers clutch their checkbooks tighter than the thought of a failing roof. Even if it’s not leaking, curling shingles or clogged gutters make them wonder how many rainy days they’ll have before the buckets come out.

What usually pops up: Missing shingles, sagging gutters, and standing water near the foundation.
How to get ahead: Hire a roofer for a quick inspection. They might only need to patch flash or clean out the gutters. You’ll get extra points for power washing moss or debris as it makes the roof look especially well-maintained.

If your roof is truly nearing the end, transparency is your friend. Get an estimate and be upfront. Buyers would rather know than imagine worst-case scenarios (which, trust us, they always do).

HVAC Systems and Appliances: Comfort Matters

Nobody wants to move in and immediately sweat through their first summer or freeze through their first winter (especially here in Minnesota). Even if your furnace or AC works just fine, inspectors love to label them “at end of life.” Appliances like stoves, dishwashers, and water heaters also get flagged if they’re outdated or acting finicky.

What usually pops up: Dusty furnaces, old water heaters, AC units that look tired.
How to get ahead: Book a service call. A professional can clean, tune up, and give you a receipt showing the system is in good shape. Swap out filters and thermostat batteries (inspectors notice when they’re gross).

If you’ve splurged on a shiny new dishwasher or energy-efficient furnace, show it off. Lower utility bills are catnip for buyers.

Cosmetic and Safety Stuff: The Easy Wins

Not everything on an inspection report is scary. A lot of it is little things buyers use as bargaining chips. Loose railings, peeling paint, cracked windows, uneven steps…none of it’s a budget-buster, but buyers love pointing to them.

What usually pops up: Chipped paint, loose handrails, sticky windows, cracked sidewalks.
How to get ahead: Grab a paintbrush, call a handyman, or tackle a few DIY fixes. A neutral paint job or steam-cleaned carpets instantly makes a place feel fresher. Securing railings and fixing wobbly steps shows the house is safe and cared for.

Some sellers even go the extra mile and hire their own inspector before listing. That way, they know the “to-do” list ahead of time. It’s not required, but it’s a power move that lets you stay in control of the conversation.

Buyers aren’t out to ruin your life with repair requests. They just want to feel like they’re moving into a home that’s solid and safe. By handling the usual suspects before your listing goes live, you make life easier for everyone, and you give yourself a better shot at fewer negotiations, faster closings, and maybe even a higher offer.

A little prep now means fewer headaches later. So grab that checklist, make a few calls, and let your house shine without the drama of inspection-day surprises.