By Living Room Realty, June 26, 2025
When most homeowners think about improving their homes, their minds go straight to the fun stuff: kitchen renovations, fresh paint colors, or dreamy outdoor spaces. But if you’re (ever) planning to sell OR simply want to protect your investment, there’s a much less glamorous place to start: your home inspection report.
Yep. That one.
Whether you’ve recently purchased your home or still have a copy from when you bought it years ago, your inspection report is a gold mine, not of inspiration, but of important fixes that matter to future buyers.
If you’re a homeowner… do you still have your inspection report?
Hopefully, during your purchase, you and your REALTOR® negotiated to have certain items repaired, or you received a credit to conduct those repairs after closing. Some buyers prefer the latter, so they can choose who does the work and to what caliber.
But here’s the thing: That credit? It’s not just “money in your pocket.” If things came up on your home inspection report, they still need to be fixed.
Some items like a leaking roof or plumbing issues should take priority. Others, like minor wood rot or exposed drywall in the garage, might feel less urgent. And yet, what do most homeowners do? They focus on the sexy upgrades—the kitchen backsplash, the new light fixtures, the statement wallpaper—and delay or forget about the less exciting but necessary fixes.
Why It Matters
- Buyers will find these issues anyway. If you don’t address or disclose known problems upfront, they will very likely surface during the buyer’s inspection and could cost you more in negotiations or ultimately the whole deal altogether. Ruh-roh.
- You protect your bottom line. Taking care of maintenance items now can help you avoid big repairs later; that “minor plumbing leak” could turn into substantial water damage later
- It’s a roadmap for smart upgrades. Want to put your dollars where they’ll matter most? Fix what’s already flagged. Foundation cracks, electrical issues, roof maintenance, plumbing quirks—these aren’t sexy, but they’re the kinds of things that give buyers peace of mind.
Be Prepared for Today’s Buyer
As the market shifts, today’s buyers are more discerning, more selective, and yes, more critical. They’re walking through homes with a magnifying glass, especially as affordability tightens. The better condition your home is in, the more confidence it instills, and the smoother your transaction will be.
Final Thought
Cosmetic upgrades may get the “oohs” and “ahhs,” but it’s the quiet fixes behind the scenes that help homes sell faster and with fewer headaches. So before you start picking out tile samples or backsplash ideas, grab that inspection report—and use it to make smart, strategic decisions.
Not sure where to start? I’m happy to help you prioritize repairs that will be the biggest bang for your buck OR that will help you move the needle when you sell. Grab that inspection report, and let’s get started! Text me at 503-396-1933 or DM me @emiddleton on Instagram.
