Special offer
Dana Hollish Hill, REALTOR * Broker * Coach (Hollish Hill Group, JPAR Stellar Living)

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Rainmaker
1,052,196
Candice A. Donofrio
Next Wave RE Investments LLC Bullhead City AZ Commercial RE Broker - Fort Mohave, AZ
928-201-4BHC (4242) call/text

I'm assuming you mean what do they find that needs addressing most often.
GFIs.

Dec 14, 2019 04:23 PM
Rainmaker
4,572,117
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

What appears to be "normal" or "typical for the age" is often seen as needing replacement or repair.   The inspection and post-inspection is now seen as another negotiating time for some.  

Dec 14, 2019 02:43 PM
Ambassador
5,229,945
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

1. Ill-fitting gutters - causing rotted wood or basement/crawl space moisture issues (band sill, etc.)

2. GFCIs not functioning properly or missing.

3. Window seals being compromised.

Dec 14, 2019 10:58 PM
Ambassador
2,178,553
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

Home inspectors don't make recommendations. They merely report their findings. It is up to the buyer and their agent to determine what they want to be done. 

That said, anything involving health and safety issues SHOULD be addressed.

Dec 14, 2019 12:56 PM
Rainmaker
1,543,634
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets
Big Block Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
CEO of Vision Drive Realty - Coastal San Diego
  1. Water Heater code issues
  2. GFCI outlets and other electrical code issues.
  3. Plumbing leaks 
  4. Install Smoke & CO2 Detectors
  5. inoperable appliances
Dec 14, 2019 08:11 PM
Rainmaker
763,883
Tony Lewis
Summit Real Estate Group - Valencia, CA
Summit Real Estate Group Valencia & Aliso Viejo

Water Pressure, Window Seals, Screens torn, Toilet loose, Dirt above weep line, Cracked tiles, Carpet Worn...

Dec 14, 2019 03:43 PM
Ambassador
6,393,154
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Generally insignificant things that had no impact on the last 100 years of owners, yet now the buyers will be feeling that it is a life and death situation if they are not fixed immediately.

Dec 14, 2019 02:02 PM
Ambassador
5,048,958
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

It varies, but often safety issues (outlets not grounded, problems with GFCIs) and plumbing leaks. And commonly the recommendation is the need for further evaluation, especially regarding HVAC issues, electrical matters, and the roof.

Dec 14, 2019 07:59 PM
Rainmaker
1,196,798
Doug Dawes
Keller Williams Evolution - 447 Boston Street, Suite #5, Topsfield, MA - Topsfield, MA
Your Personal Realtor®

Dana Hollish Hill 

Home inspectors are not supposed to make recommendations. If I were to pick something it would be if mold was found that folks were unaware of. 

Dec 14, 2019 05:23 PM
Rainmaker
536,943
Rose Mary Justice
Synergy Realty Pros - Dandridge, TN
Synergy Realty Pros

Handrails or railing is more common.

Dec 14, 2019 05:05 PM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Dana,

Interesting question, I am not sure there are "common" repairs that hold true for every home...And what Carol Williams said. A

Dec 14, 2019 12:56 PM
Rainmaker
1,725,996
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

The ones requiring immediate attention

Dec 15, 2019 06:36 AM
Rainmaker
617,935
David Gibson CNE, 719-304-4684 ~ Colorado Springs Relocation
Colorado Real Estate Advisers LLC - Colorado Springs, CO
Relocation, Luxury & Lifestyle residential

Because inspectors are rarely licensed trade vendors such as HVAC, plumbers, etc. it is common practice in Colorado for them to “suggest” that a licensed trade vendor inspect and service everything they aren’t licensed to do.

Of course the buyer takes that as a problem and wants the seller to pay for these inspections/servicing.

Dec 14, 2019 04:39 PM
Ambassador
2,061,750
Alan May
Jameson Sotheby's International Realty - Evanston, IL
Home is where the hearth is.

The home inspector should not be "recommending" any repairs, at least not directly to your client.

Their inspection will list his/her findings... commonly in three sections....

1) Items that need repairs/replacement.
2) Items that will need repairs/replacement in the next few years.
3) Items to put on a watch list...

They'll also tell you about the "functions" of the property... how the furnace works, how the electrical works, etc...

But the conversation about "what repairs/credits you should request" is one that should be between you and your buyers.

Dec 14, 2019 01:59 PM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

I agree with what Carol said.... I can remember decades ago, I had a home inspector I used who would do a thorough inspection; report repairs that were needed; and give a bid to do those repairs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  

THOSE WERE THE GOOD OLD DAYS....ONE STOP SHOPPING.

Dec 14, 2019 12:58 PM
Rainmaker
1,844,271
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

Those damn GFI'S in every location possible. I'm so sick of it. It's supposed to be grandfathered but they always have the buyers ask.

Dec 15, 2019 07:35 AM
Rainmaker
901,535
Carla Freund
Keller Williams Preferred Realty - Raleigh, NC
NC Real Estate Transition & Relocation 919-602-848

Wow, this can vary:

Anti-tipping device for stoves missing

broken window seals

gfci outlet not working

Major items would be structural, mold, and moisture issues

Dec 15, 2019 06:32 AM
Rainmaker
1,390,113
Wayne Zuhl
Remax First Realty II - Cranford, NJ
The Last Name You'll Ever Need in Real Estate

Roof, outlets and other electrical issues, windows and screens, loose railings, plumbing issues.

Dec 15, 2019 06:15 AM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

Reversed polarity outlets, GCFIs, wood rot, and garage service door replacement.

For homes/condo/townhouses built around the 60's, power panel replacement.

All are easy to identify and even easier for the agent to not allow the homeowner to be ambushed.

Dec 15, 2019 05:27 AM
Rainmaker
3,416,038
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

The furnace has not been cleaned. Leaking faucets.

Dec 15, 2019 05:20 AM
Rainmaker
758,035
Peter Testa
Nationwide Homes - Danbury, CT
PETER TESTA

Inspectors all differ in their approach. I had one Inspector that my buyer chose take 6 1/2 hours to complete their inspection. The buyers were practically begging him to just end it. I have had Inspectors make mountains out of mole hills. It's all in the way that they deliver the message. Some alarm the buyer. I had one say to me "I find the problems, then they're yours". I tell my buyers lets stick to asking the seller to fix safety issues and non functioning items. Some listen, some believe everything on the report is up for grabs. I just negotiated a huge inspection list successfully. The inspector left us holding the bag on over 30 items. I had to go over each item with this buyer, approximately a 3 minute explanation on each item, totalling 1 1/2 hours on the phone, in order to bring them down out of the tree. Then almost 3 weeks of negotiations, estimates, repairs, checkups, more questions, added items later and we finally are done. I made sure to point out the multiple inoperable items the Inspector missed as well as some safety ones. All the while I had to explain what he did not to the buyer. Speaking about what they think requires remediation but not explaining it is not a thorough inspection. Most commonly found issue- shortcuts someone took or deferred maintenance.

Dec 15, 2019 04:49 AM
Rainmaker
7,835,744
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Replace rotted wood.

Dec 14, 2019 06:11 PM
Rainmaker
5,868,472
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

GFCI outlets, even if it is not mandated.  In CO, a homeowner does not need to bring the home to current code.  Lots of times - shingles missing or damaged.

Dec 18, 2019 07:29 AM
Rainmaker
1,311,397
John Juarez
The Medford Real Estate Team - Fremont, CA
ePRO, SRES, GRI, PMN

Electric sockets not grounded.

Double tapping electric circuits.

 

Dec 16, 2019 06:27 PM
Ambassador
3,345,091
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

It truly depends on the age of the home and how well the home has been maintained.  

Dec 15, 2019 10:01 AM
Ambassador
3,125,663
Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!
Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 - St. George, UT
St. George Utah Area Residential Sales Agent

Broken roof tiles, leaking outdoor spigots, insulation around exterior doors in poor shape, toilets needing re-sealed.

Dec 15, 2019 09:12 AM
Rainmaker
469,510
Dan & Laurie Pittsenbarger Team
Keller Williams Western Realty - Bellingham, WA
Lakeside & Coastal Single Family Homes

The most common inspection items here are along the lines of the not too significant like the ones you mentioned - antitip bracket, improper dryer duct (the flexible corrogated stuff), not having two proper straps on the hot water tank, in operable or missing smoke/co detectors.

Dec 15, 2019 08:02 AM
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

The inspector's job is not to recommmend any repairs... it's to provide a snapshot of the condition of a home.

No such things as common... depends on age of home, maintenance of home, etc. At one time, before vinyl windows became the "norm," wood rot seemed to show up in most inspection reports.

Dec 15, 2019 06:03 AM
Rainmaker
5,216,387
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Jeff Dowler, CRS and Michael Jacobs have this one covered well.

Dec 15, 2019 03:54 AM
Rainmaker
4,882,355
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

Set the expectations up front.  Houses are going to have problems.  Ask for the major stuff.  Don't nitpick.

Dec 15, 2019 03:24 AM
Rainer
337,854
Adam Feinberg
Elegran - Manhattan, NY
NYC Condo, Co-op, and Townhouse Advisor

It's a very different market here- and most don't hire an inspector as their attorney is providing much of the due diligence when it comes to condition issues. The few that do the inspector generally comments on GFCI switches or whether the smoke detector needed to be hardwired or not.

In my market- the attorney does a lot of due diligence by reviewing the condo or co-op meeting notes seeking any indications of problem areas within the building. They also have their own questionaire sent to the building management (who is then required to disclose any known issues). They also review the building financials to backup anything else identified as a potential issue not disclosed.

Jan 13, 2020 07:38 AM
Rainer
6,070
Aaron McColl
True Inspection - Welland, ON
Offer home inspections in Niagara Hamilton regions

hot/nutral reverse,double tap in the electrical panel, ungrounded recepticles, , Furnace draft inducer motor, parging that needs repaired or re done, down spouts draining next to the foundation. I would say these are the most common things here in Niagara, Hamilton regions of Ontario. https://www.trueinspection.net/2019/09/13/questions-and-answers-tips-tricks-for-home-owners/

Jan 03, 2020 10:47 AM
Rainmaker
1,598,452
Valeria Mola
SIB Realty - Miami, Sunny Isles Beach - Sunny Isles Beach, FL
305-607-0709 SIB Realty Condos for Sale and Rent

Electrical panel.

Dec 17, 2019 08:01 AM
Rainmaker
62,960
Rae Hoffman
Roots & Wings Realty Group / Walzel - Katy, TX
Real estate agent serving the Katy area

I swear if I see one more inspection report with three pages about a Romex connector for the garbage disposal, I'll scream. 

Dec 16, 2019 09:04 PM
Rainer
216,904
Sharon Altier
Coldwell Banker Realty - Elmhurst, IL
Luxury Property Specialist, CSC, SFR

GFIs, strings attached to closet lights (should be chain), non-serviced furnaces...

Dec 16, 2019 11:29 AM
Rainer
417,221
Caroline Gerardo
Licensed in 20 states - Newport Beach, CA
C. G. Barbeau the Loan Lady nmls 324982

GFI, rain gutters, HVAC vents not flowing, old leaks, foundation problems

Dec 16, 2019 09:45 AM
Rainer
231,948
Eva B. Liland Century 21 Doug Anderson
Century 21 Doug Anderson - Lancaster, CA
Glad to be of Service 661-714-1643

Mostly GFCI's missing within 6 feet of water, non-functioning smoke alarms, no carbon monoxide alarms, no pan for the heater, the wrong strapping and bracing for the heater, loose toilets, stair rails with the wrong distance (4 inches) between each rail, un-level floors etc. As as several has mentioned, inspect-report and he/she is done. (No, I haver met a female inspector, they seems to be non-existent, lol).

Dec 16, 2019 06:53 AM
Rainmaker
2,390,577
Bob "RealMan" Timm
Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND
Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

Improper grounding of electrical outlets would top the list here. When I see that as the #1 thing I know they found NOTHING very important.

Dec 16, 2019 06:26 AM
Rainmaker
851,242
Brenda Mayette
Miranda Real Estate Group, Inc. - Glenville, NY
Getting results w/ knowledge & know-how!

Mold... oh wait! That requires a mold assessor.  The inspector will simply identify a "mold like substance"...  

Dec 16, 2019 05:01 AM
Ambassador
3,164,269
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

in my market we get a lot of GFCI replacing regular outlets (older homes when it wasn't code) and a ton of water heater pressure relief valves not being run to outside of the crawl space.

Dec 15, 2019 01:39 PM
Ambassador
3,587,935
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

The dishwasher loop was never hooked up!  I can't tell you how many times I've heard that one. Cost = .50 and a quick home depot trip.

Dec 15, 2019 10:48 AM
Ambassador
3,383,334
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA
  1. Outdated/miss matched smoke detectors
  2. Anti-tip brackets not installed on stoves
  3. CSST gas pipes not bonded and grounded
Dec 15, 2019 10:42 AM
Rainmaker
4,936,558
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Gfi missing , furance leaks

Dec 15, 2019 09:50 AM
Rainmaker
1,502,998
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

Depends, does the inspector know what he's doing?  I had one recently who was from one of the larger companies out here who didn't know how to press a doorbell or test a smoke detector!  He said "faulty" and I tested them the next day and everything was good.

Dec 15, 2019 09:19 AM
Rainer
2,990
Darren Spencer
ispecx Home Inspection Software - Bellevue, WA
Fully automated home inspection reporting software

Number one report issue with a Home Inspection in Washington State is servicing the furnace. Sellers need to maintain this major appliance!

Dec 15, 2019 09:14 AM
Rainmaker
1,751,129
Mike Cooper, Broker VA,WV
Cornerstone Business Group Inc - Winchester, VA
Your Neighborhood Real Estate Sales Pro

Double-tapped neutrals or breakers in the panel box. Basically, two wires under one screw. Ironically, some Square D breakers allow this, but most inspectors don't know that. It shows up on the neutral/ground bar most often, it's not good tradecraft.

 

Dec 15, 2019 09:11 AM
Rainmaker
1,239,901
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

¡Qué horror! ¡Tenemos termitas en casa!

 

Dec 15, 2019 08:17 AM
Ambassador
1,452,769
Susan Emo
Sotheby's International Realty Canada - Brokerage - Kingston, ON
Kingston and the 1000 Islands Area

In my area you can identify the Inspector by the items mentioned, as they each have their pet peeves.  One will speak only of roof vents.  Another you can count on for GFIs.  The 3rd will always comment on duct work.  ETC  If they recommend or estimate shelflife or cost, they're history!

Dec 15, 2019 08:14 AM
Rainmaker
2,781,163
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

Interesting as I tend to repair anything that stands out or doesn't work as the rule. Also buyers fear losing the deal so their demands for the most part are relevant, minor and easy to do. As to inspectors, they name everything wrong but then that's their job....Ours is to put the report in perspective

Dec 15, 2019 07:28 AM
Rainmaker
556,536
Greg Cremia
Shore Realty of the Outer Banks - Nags Head, NC

Any home inspector who recommends anything comes off the list. Inspect, report and shut up.

Dec 15, 2019 04:58 AM