By Sally Tansill, July 1, 2025
As a realtor who’s walked through hundreds of homes with buyers, I can’t stress this enough: not all homes are as pristine as they appear. Cosmetic upgrades may catch your eye, but it’s what lurks beneath the surface that can cost you big time after closing. One major red flag that I always help buyers look out for? Deferred maintenance.
What is Deferred Maintenance?
Deferred maintenance refers to necessary repairs or upkeep that the homeowner has delayed—either due to cost, lack of time, or neglect. This can include everything from leaky roofs and aging HVAC systems to ignored plumbing issues. When left unaddressed, these seemingly “small” problems can turn into expensive, system-wide failures.
Sellers may try to gloss over or disguise these issues to attract buyers. And while staging a home can help you see its potential, it should never distract you from signs that a house hasn’t been properly maintained.
5 Common Signs of Deferred Maintenance
1. Fresh Paint in Select Areas
Fresh paint can certainly brighten up a space, but when it’s applied only in certain rooms or over specific sections of walls or ceilings, be cautious. It might be covering:
Water stains from roof or plumbing leaks
Mold or mildew damage
Cracks in drywall due to foundation settling
Buyer Tip: Look closely for uneven texture or paint that doesn’t match the rest of the home. A fresh coat isn’t always a fresh start.
2. Worn or Original Major Systems
During your showing or inspection, ask about the age of these systems:
Roof
HVAC (heating and cooling)
Water heater
Electrical panel
Plumbing pipes
If any of these are original and the home is more than 15–20 years old, there’s a strong chance they’ve been ignored—especially if there’s no maintenance record.
Seller Cover-Up Alert: A seller may spruce up with portable heaters or window AC units to distract from a failing HVAC system.
3. Rotting Wood or Peeling Caulk
Exterior wood trim, decks, and window frames are often the first to show signs of weathering. If not maintained, rot can spread quickly. Inside, peeling caulk around tubs, sinks, and windows may indicate water intrusion or prolonged humidity.
Buyer Tip: Bring a screwdriver during showings to gently test wood for softness. Spongy wood is a sign of rot.
4. Signs of Water Damage
Even if it’s dry when you walk through, look for:
Warped baseboards or flooring
Discoloration on ceilings or in corners
A musty smell in basements or closets
Seller Trick: A dehumidifier or strategically placed air fresheners may be masking moisture issues or mildew.
5. Landscaping in Disrepair
The condition of the exterior often reflects how the interior has been cared for. Overgrown shrubs, dead patches of lawn, or damaged fences can be subtle indicators that the homeowner hasn’t kept up with overall maintenance.
Buyer Insight: If they’ve neglected the yard for years, it’s likely that they’ve deferred interior upkeep too.
Final Thoughts: Trust, But Verify
Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. It’s easy to fall in love with a beautifully staged kitchen or freshly painted living room—but don’t let surface shine distract you from structural substance.
As your realtor, I always recommend investing in a thorough home inspection and asking sellers for maintenance records. If the seller can’t provide them—or if the home inspector finds a laundry list of repairs—it may be time to walk away or negotiate for a price that reflects the true condition of the home.
Need Help Spotting the Red Flags?
I’m here to guide you through every step of the buying process—from smart searching to savvy negotiations. Let’s find a home that’s not only beautiful, but also well-cared for.
Sally Tansill
Broker | ABR® | HFR | OR
She/Her
Sally moved to Portland with her family in 2012 from Brooklyn, NY, seeking an improved quality of life and a change of pace from her busy career in the sports industry.
Moving with very little personal connection to the city was difficult and at times overwhelming, but she knew it would suit her lifestyle and be a place that reinforced the values she wanted for her children, and she was right! A mother of three (four, including her dog Eli), she has navigated new neighborhoods, schools, and other city resources and looks forward to sharing that knowledge with people looking to create or renew their own sense of place.
The idea of "home" means something different to everyone and Sally's goal for her clients is to find the place where that word resonates for them. Every stage of life provides an element of transition and that often comes with a desire to change your surroundings. For some, it could be a question of space while for others it is changing scenery between the city and the country. Sally has lived in apartments, condominiums, teepees (long story), studios, rented houses, and now owns a home as well as a few rental properties with her husband in Portland.
Sally is an avid skier and music fan and loves that this city provides the opportunity to pursue all of those interests in such an accessible way. Her sports loyalties still lie on the east coast, but she has caught the Portland Timbers bug and loves going to games with her family: the camaraderie is contagious! Ever the optimist, she believes that positive relationships and people are the key to personal and professional success, especially when it comes to real estate! She loves sharing her experience and wants to guide her clients to the place they call home.
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- T: 917-797-2776
- sally@livingroomre.com
