Updated for 2026: buyer expectations have moved on since this post was first published. With more homes to choose from in 2025–2026, buyers and their inspectors scrutinize condition more than cosmetics — many sellers now order a pre-listing inspection so there are no surprises. These are still the issues that most often slow a sale or chip away at your price.
1. Leaking or Old Roof. Roof problems remain the single biggest red flag. U.S. roof-related insurance claims cost nearly $31 billion in 2024, and an estimated 38% of U.S. homes have roofs in moderate to poor condition (Verisk). A shingle roof typically lasts 20 to 25 years, and if your for-sale home’s roof is approaching the end of its lifespan, repairing or replacing it could get you to the closing table faster.
2. Damaged Gutters. Routine gutter maintenance could prevent thousands of dollars in damage to the foundation of a home. Recognizing the importance of this chore may require a big storm to pass through, but you’ll be glad you did when your home’s siding, windows, doors and foundation avoid water damage.
3. Creaky Doors and Windows. Expect buyers to open and close doors and windows. A jammed window or creaky door is a quick fix for you but could be a red flag to buyers who want a well-kept home. Where windows genuinely need replacing, the 2025 Cost vs. Value Report puts vinyl window replacement among the strongest remodeling performers, recouping roughly three-quarters of its cost at resale — but if they’re not an imperative fix, some sellers would be better served to bump this down a few notches on their must-do list.
4. Outdated Appliances. Most buyers know they can easily buy a new fridge, but if most of your appliances look decades old, buyers may wonder what else needs replacing. If you’re planning to take your refrigerator with you when you move, make sure that’s mentioned in your sellers’ disclosure.
5. Old Heating and Air Conditioning System. A well-maintained HVAC system can last 15 to 25 years, but an aged one could be a point of concern for buyers — replacement typically runs $5,000–$12,500 in 2026 (Angi cost data), and buyers routinely ask for credits at or above the repair cost when a system is failing. Far better to service it, or price it in, than to renegotiate on the fly before a sale.
6. Termites. Termite infestation causes more than $5 billion in damage to U.S. homes each year, damage that typically isn’t covered by homeowners insurance (National Pest Management Association). Sellers are typically required to disclose it, and adding a termite warranty from a remediation company can give your buyer peace of mind. But be warned: termites in your home can often be a deal breaker.
7. Cracks in Foundation. Cracks in walls or a foundation are often a sign of larger problems. Be prepared to fix structural problems before your house hits the market, or have a plan in place for repairs if a buyer balks after inspection.
8. Radon. Radon is a naturally occurring, carcinogenic, radioactive gas that’s formed from the breakdown of uranium. In the home, radon is typically found in the basement or in lower levels. To put in perspective just how dangerous radon can be, consider this: smoking is the number one cause of lung cancer — radon is No. 2, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. A simple test before listing is cheap insurance against a late-stage surprise.
9. Bonus: High listing price. Pricing your home too high could ultimately cause your house to miss out on the right buyer, stay on the market longer, and bring in a lower price than the market supports. In 2026, with buyers comparing more listings than a few years ago, pricing to the home’s actual condition matters more than ever.
Sources: Verisk (2024 U.S. roof claims analysis); Remodeling 2025 Cost vs. Value Report; National Pest Management Association; Angi 2026 HVAC cost data; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.