The Same Things Get Flagged Every Time—Here They Are
After nearly 40 years in real estate, I’ve learned that one of the biggest concerns when we sit down to talk about selling is this: “Am I going to have to bring my house ‘up to code’—and what costly repairs might a buyer ask for?”
While every inspection is different, the same categories of issues appear again and again—especially in older homes.
Commonly Flagged Items
Life-Safety
- Missing or non-working smoke detectors
- Missing carbon monoxide detectors
Stairs & Handrails
- Missing handrails
- Handrails not securely mounted
- Insufficient stair lighting
Electrical
- Open junction boxes
- Missing outlet or switch covers
Plumbing
- Improper drain connections (accordion pipes)
- Fernco couplings or non-approved fittings
Doors & Windows
- Windows painted shut
- Windows that won’t stay open
- Deadbolts that don’t meet current standards
Miscellaneous
- Missing light bulbs in stairwells
- Missing permit stickers
- Exterior maintenance items
Why These Items Come Up
These issues are easy to verify and tied to injury or fire risk. They are common in older housing stock and do not necessarily indicate neglect.
Bottom Line
Occupancy inspections are far more predictable than most homeowners expect. Knowing what typically gets flagged removes much of the fear from the process.
Over the past decade, much of my work has focused on helping families navigate the sale of a home connected to an aging parent or an inherited property. These conversations often involve difficult decisions about whether to invest in repairs or sell a home as-is. Between renovating 17 homes myself and walking hundreds and hundreds of families through those same decisions, I bring both firsthand experience and practical perspective to what can otherwise feel overwhelming.
Sandie Hea
🌐 SellYourStLouisHome.com
📧 sandie.hea@stlre.com
📞 314.806.1908
About the Author:
With nearly four decades of experience, Sandie Hea is known for providing clear guidance, honest counsel, and steady leadership in even the most complex real estate situations.
