Wiggins Group Real Estate Blog

Each homebuyer has different ideas of what will constitute the ideal home for them, these notions often based on particular aesthetic preferences. But one thing that unites all potential homebuyers is the desire to find a home that is fundamentally sound—in areas beyond the immediate sweep of the eye—and that will provide a safe, comfortable, and efficient foundation for their life behind a new door.

This is where the services of a home inspector come in. During a home inspection, at least 30 areas of the home are placed under the home inspector’s “microscope.” We’ve compiled the ten most common weaknesses uncovered in a typical home inspection. If not addressed, these problems could cost you thousands of dollars in the long-run. So, knowing what to look for, and performing your own thorough pre-inspection, will help you to identify areas for repair or improvement before they grow into costly problems.

1. Damp Basement

• A mildew odour, which is difficult to mask, is often the first sign.

• Inspectors look for whitish mineral deposits on walls and judge whether items can safely be stored on the floor.

• Repairs may cost from $200 to $15,000.

2. Poorly Installed / Defective Plumbing

• Common in older homes.

• Inspectors test for leaks, clogging, and water pressure (e.g., faucets and toilet flush test).

• Dirty water on first use may signal rusted pipes.

3. Older / Poorly-Functioning Heating and Cooling Systems

• Inspectors assess the age and condition of systems.

• Cracked heat exchangers in forced air gas systems can leak carbon monoxide and must be replaced.

• Replacements improve efficiency and reduce energy bills.

4. Older / Unsafe Electrical System

• May include undersized service, aluminum or knob-and-tube wiring, or poor renovations.

• Over-fused circuits create fire hazards.

• Upgrading to a circuit panel costs several hundred dollars.

5. Older / Leaking Roof

• Asphalt roofs typically last 15–20 years.

• Leaks may indicate shingle deterioration or storm damage.

• Inspectors check how many layers of shingles exist before recommending full removal and replacement.

6. Minor Structural Problems

• Includes cracked plaster or slight foundation shifts.

• Common in older homes and should be addressed early to prevent escalation.

7. Poor Ventilation

• Bathrooms and kitchens without vents promote mold and fungus.

• Poor air quality can trigger allergies and damage surfaces.

• These issues should be fixed before permanent harm occurs.

8. Air Leakage

• Drafts may be caused by poor seals, old caulking, or worn weather strips.

• These are usually inexpensive and easy to fix.

9. Security Features

• Inspectors evaluate locks, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors.

• Missing or outdated security features should be updated for safety.

10. Drainage / Grading Problems

• The most common issue found by inspectors.

• Causes basement dampness and mildew.

• Solutions include new gutters, downspouts, or lawn re-grading to divert water from the home.

Finding a real estate agent who is right for you requires doing a little homework, and asking the right questions. Choosing an agent is a decision that could ultimately cost or save you thousands of dollars. Keep in mind the individual you choose will be handling almost every maneuver in the biggest financial investment of your life. Experience, interests, and expertise vary from agent to agent, so you should be asking very specific questions in order to align your own needs with the abilities of an appropriate representative. Use the following list of questions as a guide to finding the agent that is right for you:

1. How long have you been involved in residential real estate in this area?

If the agent hasn’t been connected to the residential real estate market for several years, s/he will be out of touch with the cyclical nature of the current market. Your REALTOR® must be familiar with trends of the local market and have an eye for the ways in which it will change. This knowledge could mean the difference of thousands of dollars in the long-run.

2. What is your marketing strategy for my home?

A REALTOR® should be able to lay out for you, in detail, a marketing plan to sell your home. Examine this plan carefully. How much money does the REALTOR® allot to advertising? What type of media does s/he use? S/he should be able to demonstrate the effectiveness of one form of media over another, explaining why his/her particular marketing strategy will sell your home faster and for top dollar. The REALTOR® should employ current, innovative marketing techniques that indicate creativity and a willingness to market outside of the box. Stay away from REALTORS® who rely on traditional, dated forms of advertising. They simply won’t work in the current real estate market.

3. How do you support a buyer throughout the process?

A REALTOR® should be able to indicate how s/he will support you through each step of the home-buying or selling process, offering you a unique system to suit your needs and goals. Also, ask if a specialist will be available at each level of the sale. Your REALTOR® should always be on hand to answer questions, but the specific resources of an expert can be invaluable during different stages of the process.

4. What other properties has your company sold in my area?

The REALTOR® should be able to provide you with a complete, detailed listing of their own sales in your area, as well as other comparable sales. You should get a clear idea of what you might be able to expect both from the REALTOR® and from the current market.

5. What is your experience with financing options? How would you suggest I approach my own financing plan?

Each buyer requires a different financing strategy. A REALTOR® should be able to suggest a plan catered specifically to your financial background and needs. Don’t just depend on your lender for information and guidance on financing a new home. Let your agent lead the way.

6. On average, how close is the selling price of your listings to their asking price, and how long do they take to sell?

You can contact the Real Estate Board to obtain information on the selling record of an agent. The Board also has statistics on a broader scale, so you can see whether an agent’s selling performance is higher or lower than the board average, and whether s/he tends to sell faster or slower than the board average. Placing the REALTOR®’s performance on a scale will help you get an idea of how much you might expect your home to sell for, and how long it might take to sell.

7. What is your philosophy/method of negotiation and how will you apply it when selling my home?

Your REALTOR® should be able to articulate effective and informed negotiation tactics that demonstrate a commitment to securing the best price for you.

8. Do you have a reference list of clients I could contact?

Do some homework! Choose a few names on the list and call them. The stories of others who have gone through the home-selling process can be a valuable source of information.