A 2021 survey found that the biggest regret among millennial home buyers were unexpected maintenance costs. These types of issues have become even more pronounced in recent years due to more buyers waiving inspections. In fact a staggering 81% of first-time home buyers during the pandemic found issues with their home right after they moved in.

Some of the most common issues reported in the survey were:

  • Cosmetic issues (40%)
    • Cosmetic issue are issues that deal with the overall aesthetic of the house. Some common cosmetic issues include flooring, paint, landscaping, counter tops, cabinets, and furniture.
  • Plumbing and leaks (38%)
    • Plumbing and leak issues can occur rather frequently. These problems can include clogged drains, low water pressure, water heater issues, and leaky faucets just to name a few. Plumbing and leak issues can also drastically decrease the efficiency of your home, in turn increasing your energy expenses.
  • Wiring and electricity (36%)
    • If you encounter problems with your wiring and electrical, you may experience power surges, exposed wires, switches not working, flickering lights, and inadequate number and placement of outlets.
  • Water damage (34%)
    • Water damage is arguably one of the worst problems to deal with on this list. Water damage will raise the moisture levels in your home, creating the perfect incubation conditions for mold, mildew, and other harmful bacteria. And if that weren’t bad enough, this moisture usually attracts vermin.

These structural damages are serious and can end up putting a serious dent in your wallet. You might be thinking, “Shouldn’t a routine inspection easily identify these problems?” and you’d be right- but the reality is that the United States’ housing economy is still experiencing an unprecedented seller’s market. As mentioned above, some consumers are even taking drastic measures to win a bidding war, such as waiving inspections.

The truth is, even the most diligent home inspection cannot predict every breakdown that may occur from normal wear and tear.

About Danielle Verboski

Whether you are looking for homes for sale or looking for a real estate agent to sell your home, having a dedicated professional who is committed to excellence is essential to a smooth real estate transaction. I am that person! The path to and from home ownership is best traveled with an experienced professional. Let me lead the way and help simplify the process. Born and raised in Connecticut, my level of expertise in the local area and market is unparalleled. With over 12 years experience in the customer service industry, the undivided attention that all clients receive while working with me is what sets me apart from the rest. I am personally committed to each and every one of my clients, no matter what their role is in the Connecticut real estate market.