Last Updated on January 20, 2026
There are many parts of the home transaction process that fall on buyers to navigate and understand. However, when it comes to home inspections, it’s just as important for sellers to understand the home inspection process.
What features and systems will an inspector be examining of your home for sale? What common repairs will sellers be expected to address? And how much wiggle room is there for negotiations after a home inspection?
Here’s what you need to know.
What is examined during a home inspection?
A thorough home inspection will include the examination of your home’s major systems, including structural, foundational, and electrical framework. Your home’s exterior surface is inspected for decay. And the inspector should also identify any settlement issues your home may have.
It’s important to remember that just because an “issue” shows up on a home inspector’s report, it doesn’t mean you as the seller are responsible for fixing it. The issue could be minor or cosmetic, reflect basic wear and tear, or fall under the category of negotiable repairs. However, there are two significant home issues that are generally considered mandatory for sellers to address:
2 major repairs sellers are responsible for after a home inspection
1. Structural damage
Everything pertaining to the structural integrity of your home will be evaluated during a home inspection. Your home’s structural components include the roof, crawlspace, foundation, attic, walls, ceilings, chimneys, and floors. Any significant damage to these features may require repairs from lenders before they will release funds to finance a buyer’s purchase of your home. This will certainly include any updates or repairs to address costly structural defects, safety issues, or building code violations.
2. Major systems
Inspectors will literally examine every outlet and make sure your home’s electrical and wiring systems are in good working order. The same goes for the plumbing and septic system, as well as the home’s air conditioner and heating system. Any major problems in these systems will likely be the responsibility of the seller to address. Sellers can find a contractor and pay for the repairs right away. Depending on the issues, sellers may also be able to offer financial credits for the buyer to make repairs later.
What to do about other home inspection issues
Home inspectors could report issues ranging from a misaligned padlock to a crumbling foundation. As mentioned above, sellers are responsible for addressing major issues to the home’s structure and systems. But other issues can fall into a negotiable gray area.
The good news is that in a seller’s market, sellers often have the upper hand in those negotiations. However, with as much time, money, and effort as you’ve put into your listing so far, often it’s better to work with the buyer than create a hard line that could encourage them to walk away.
When negotiating home inspection issues, there are two common avenues for sellers to take:
- Offer a home warranty – Different from homeowner’s insurance, a home warranty covers the repair and/or replacement of major systems and appliances that fail due to normal wear and tear.
- Offer the buyer something of comparable value – It’s likely that your buyer would rather keep your existing washer and dryer, for instance, than pay to move theirs into a new home. Many Realtors advise sellers to wait to offer any appliances or fixtures until after they receive a home inspection report. That way, they may be able to negotiate those items in exchange for certain fixes.
Save yourself time and money—Schedule a pre-inspection!
Don’t wait until a buyer orders an inspection of your home. Go ahead and get a home pre-inspection done before you list your property.
Almost all homes, even brand new ones, have at least minor issues that need to be resolved. By fixing potential issues before putting your house on the market, you can solve many problems before your buyer ever sees them.
Being proactive can also save you money. By solving issues on your own time and budget, you can spare yourself the funds required by demanding buyers who may prefer more costly repairs.
When in doubt, ask your real estate agent for support
When you understand what you are responsible for in a home transaction—including repairs recommended following home inspections—you will experience much less stress should one or more issues crop up. This is why a professional real estate agent can prove so valuable.
After viewing hundreds of homes, our Realtors are programmed to be on the lookout for common issues that are uncovered by qualified home inspectors. Real estate agents also work tirelessly to grow their vendor networks and build relationships with reputable pros and firms who know how to conduct business correctly and efficiently.
Get in touch today to learn more about how to navigate home inspection issues during your home selling process.
Howard Hanna Allen Tate Real Estate is the #1 real estate company in the Carolinas, with more than 80 offices and 1,800 agents serving communities across North and South Carolina and Georgia. As part of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, the largest family-owned and operated real estate company in the United States, Howard Hanna Allen Tate offers a full suite of real estate services, including mortgage, insurance, title and relocation. For more information, visit howardhannatate.com.
