“What are the biggest deal-breakers you find?”
The truth is, a deal-breaker is subjective. Some buyers are comfortable taking on repairs, while others prefer move-in-ready homes. That said, there are certain issues that frequently cause buyers to renegotiate—or seriously reconsider the purchase.
At Sonic Home Inspections, we help buyers understand which issues are truly significant and which are manageable.
Foundation and structural issues are among the most common deal-breakers.
Buyers become concerned when inspections reveal:
Large horizontal or stair-step cracks
Evidence of foundation movement or settlement
Bowing or leaning foundation walls
Structural repairs that appear incomplete or poorly done
Structural problems can be expensive to repair and may require evaluation by a structural engineer, which often triggers renegotiations.
A roof near the end of its life is another major concern for buyers.
Common roof-related deal-breakers include:
Active roof leaks
Missing, curling, or damaged shingles
Evidence of past water intrusion in the attic
Roofs that require immediate replacement
Since roof replacement is a high-cost repair, buyers often request credits, repairs, or price reductions.
Panels that frequently alarm buyers include:
Federal Pacific (FPE) panels
Zinsco panels
Panels showing overheating or corrosion
Undersized electrical services
These panels are associated with increased fire risk, and many insurance companies require replacement—making them common negotiation points.
Plumbing defects can quickly become deal-breakers, especially when they involve system-wide concerns.
Common examples include:
Polybutylene piping, which is prone to failure
Active plumbing leaks
Sewer line damage or collapse
Corroded or outdated supply lines
Major plumbing repairs can be invasive and costly, making buyers more cautious.
At Sonic Home Inspections, we help buyers understand:
Which issues are urgent vs. long-term
Approximate repair implications
When specialist evaluations are recommended
How findings may impact negotiations
Many deals move forward successfully once buyers have clear information and realistic expectations.
A thorough inspection helps buyers:
Avoid emotional overreactions
Focus on true safety and structural concerns
Negotiate repairs or credits confidently
Make informed decisions—not rushed ones
Knowledge reduces uncertainty and puts buyers in control.
Sonic Home Inspections provides detailed, unbiased inspections throughout:
Concerned about potential deal-breakers?
A professional inspection helps you move forward with confidence—or walk away wisely.
👉 Schedule your home inspection with Sonic Home Inspections today.