"This House Has Issues” — The Truth About Home Inspections
Buyer: “This house has issues.”
Me: “Cool. So does every house. Including the next five you’ll look at.”
Let’s talk about one of the most misunderstood parts of real estate: the home inspection.
Fact Check: Every House Has Problems
If you’re waiting for the flawless, perfect home that passes inspection with zero notes — you might want to grab a snack and a time machine, because that place doesn’t exist.
Even brand-new construction homes come back with reports longer than your last grocery receipt.
Cracks in the caulking? Not the end of civilization.
Water heater near the end of its life? Congratulations, that’s called homeownership.
A home inspection isn’t a “pass or fail” test — it’s a snapshot of the home’s condition on one particular day. It’s there to inform you, not terrify you.
The $5,000 Reality Check
Let’s say your inspector notes $5,000 worth of repairs.
Maybe the roof needs sealing, the GFCI outlets need updating, and a faucet drips like it’s auditioning for a horror movie.
Guess what? That’s not a red flag — that’s a Tuesday.
Welcome to owning a home, where “minor issues” are simply part of the maintenance package that comes with building equity instead of paying your landlord’s mortgage.
You have two options:
🔹 Keep chasing unicorns (and lose every good house while you do it).
🔹 Or accept that every home has quirks, and you’re just choosing which ones you can live with.
True Story: The “Haunted” House
Once, I had buyers panic over an inspection that mentioned “unusual noises in attic.”
They were convinced we had a paranormal situation.
Turned out to be a loose vent rattling in the wind — not ghosts, not squirrels, just a $35 fix and a funny story they still tell at dinner parties.
Moral of the story? Don’t let your imagination cost you a dream home.
Another Story: The Deal That Almost Died Over a Toilet Handle
I once watched a deal nearly implode over a toilet handle.
Yes — a $7 part.
The buyer demanded the seller replace every toilet handle “to ensure consistency.”
Meanwhile, the seller countered by offering to include a Home Depot gift card instead.
We laughed. Then we closed the deal.
Perspective matters.
Let’s Talk Roofs (Because It’s Oklahoma)
If you live in Oklahoma, you already know:
Our two official state seasons are “Summer” and “Storm Damage.”
Roofs here don’t just wear out — they retire early. Between hail, heat, wind, and tornado warnings, a roof in Oklahoma has seen more action than most SUVs.
So when your home inspection notes “shingles lifting” or “minor granule loss,” don’t panic.
That’s not a disaster — that’s Oklahoma weather doing what Oklahoma weather does.
Common Roof Issues (and the Reality Behind Them)
Here are a few inspection notes that sound scary — but really aren’t:
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“Granule loss.”
Translation: The roof has survived a few summers. Totally normal. You’ll see this even on roofs under 10 years old. -
“Shingles lifting.”
That’s not a hurricane warning — it’s usually just wind or poor sealing from a hot day. A quick re-seal by a roofer and it’s good as new. -
“Flashing needs sealing.”
Think of flashing as a roof’s duct tape. It just needs a little touch-up now and then — not a full replacement. -
“Missing shingles.”
Welcome to Oklahoma. One windy day and your shingles are on a road trip to Texas. A roofer can patch those in about 20 minutes. -
“Soft spots or sagging decking.”
That one deserves a closer look, but even then, it doesn’t mean “new roof.” It may just need new decking or reinforcement in a small area.
Fun Fact: Oklahoma Roof Math
A typical 30-year roof in Oklahoma lasts about 7–10 years.
Yes, really.
Why? Because hail doesn’t care about warranties. And 60-mph winds don’t care that your shingles are “impact-resistant.”
But here’s the upside — our insurance companies have made roof replacement practically a rite of passage. If you live here long enough, odds are your roof will be replaced at least once, sometimes twice, thanks to storm claims.
You’re not unlucky — you’re just an Oklahoman.
When to Worry (and When Not To)
✅ Don’t worry: cosmetic damage, granule loss, loose flashing, or a few lifted shingles.
🚨 Do worry: active leaks, daylight coming through decking, or widespread hail bruising that’s soft to the touch.
If you’re not sure, call a licensed roofer for a free inspection. They’ll tell you whether you need a $200 repair or a $12,000 replacement — and in Oklahoma, it’s often covered by insurance anyway.
Here’s What a Great Realtor Does During Inspections
A top Realtor doesn’t panic when the inspection report lands with 42 pages of “issues.”
They:
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Provide context — What’s normal? What’s serious? What’s just a note?
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Recommend trusted professionals who can quote realistic repair costs.
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Guide you through negotiations to get fair credits or repairs.
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Keep the focus on value and safety, not the cosmetic or fixable stuff.
Inspections aren’t about finding perfection — they’re about knowing what you’re buying.
And when handled correctly, they don’t kill deals — they build confidence.
Sellers: Take Notes Too
If you’re selling, pre-inspections can be your best friend.
They give you a chance to fix small issues before buyers use them as leverage.
Think of it as getting ahead of the bad Yelp review — fix the wobbly handrail before it becomes a negotiation point.
The Bottom Line
Home inspections are not deal-killers (unless you use a "certain" inspector in Oklahoma)
They’re education.
They’re negotiation tools.
They’re peace of mind — for realistic buyers and prepared sellers.
The key is having a Realtor who knows the difference between a “minor fix” and a “major problem.” Someone who can turn panic into perspective and keep deals moving forward — calmly and professionally.
Why The Agency
At The Agency Oklahoma, we combine local expertise with global reach — offering world-class marketing, experienced negotiation, and top-tier representation. Our agents don’t just open doors; they protect your investment, anticipate problems before they happen, and guide you through every step with confidence and clarity.
If you’re buying, selling, or just need perspective on your next inspection — call us before you panic.
Because the right Realtor doesn’t just read the report — they interpret it.
Wyatt Poindexter
Managing Partner, The Agency Oklahoma
📞 405-417-5466
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.WyattPoindexter.com | www.TheAgencyRE.com
