The Hidden Cost of Deferred Maintenance: Why It's Costing Older Sellers Thousands

If you've lived in your home for a long time, a few things have likely slipped down the priority list. That's normal, but if you're preparing to sell, especially if you're moving into a retirement community, deferred maintenance can cost you far more than you'd expect. Here's what we see happen and how to avoid it.

The Biggest Offender

The roof, hands down. Between the sun and the snow here, roofs in the South Jordan and Salt Lake City areas take a real beating. It's the single most common deferred maintenance issue we encounter with longtime homeowners.

What This Actually Costs

We've had two recent transactions in which the seller ended up paying for a partial roof replacement, solely because of deferred maintenance that surfaced at inspection. That's not a small line item, and it's money that comes straight out of your proceeds.

How Buyers Actually React

The buyer does not usually walk away because of deferred maintenance issues. What we see far more often is credit demands. Buyers and their inspectors will flag the issue and come back asking for a price reduction or a credit at closing, rather than asking you to fix it before the sale is complete.

It Also Affects Your Appraisal

This is the part a lot of sellers don't realize: appraisers factor in deferred maintenance, too. A home with visible neglect can appraise for less, regardless of any buyer negotiations, so it ends up being a double hit.

Watch for These Specifically

If your buyer is using an FHA or VA loan, which is common, peeling paint and missing earthquake straps are two issues that come up repeatedly during inspection. Both are relatively inexpensive to fix ahead of time, and both can hold up a loan if they're not addressed.

"I Don't Want to Spend Money on a House I'm Leaving"

We hear this a lot, and it's a fair instinct. But here's the thing: spending a little now almost always saves you a lot later. For example, cleaning your HVAC system costs about $100. If you skip it and an inspector flags it as dirty, the buyer will likely hire their own HVAC technician for a quote, and the repair credit they request will be much more than $100.

The Bottom Line

A little maintenance before you list can protect a meaningful share of your equity. If you're not sure where your home stands, reach out. We can walk your property with you and flag exactly what's worth addressing before it costs you at the negotiating table.