Why Most Pennsylvania Home Sellers Lose Money During the Home Inspection

By Diane Cardano-Casacio

I'm an expert in real estate marketing and negotiation. With innovative strategies and sharp negotiation skills, I help home sellers sell quickly, creatively, and for top dollar while saving them money.

Most home sellers lose money during the buyer’s inspection, and the worst part is that they never see it coming. You accept a strong offer, you feel good about the price, and then the buyer’s inspector shows up with a long list of “problems” and repair estimates that are often far higher than the actual cost to fix.

From that moment on, the leverage shifts to the buyer. You either rush repairs under pressure, give large credits based on inflated numbers, or watch the buyer walk and disclose everything to the next one. This is how sellers lose $20,000 to $30,000 without understanding why.

The reason this happens is simple. Most sellers wait for the buyer’s inspection instead of getting one themselves. A buyer’s inspector must list every issue, and buyers often misjudge what is serious and what is normal. Foundation cracks, worn shingles, minor electrical fixes, aging plumbing, or small signs of water intrusion can look scary when you see them in a report with no context.

Buyers assume the worst and ask for big concessions. Even small repairs turn into big credit requests when the seller is caught off guard.

A pre-listing inspection changes everything. You learn about issues early, so you can decide what to fix, what to document, and how to price the home before it ever hits the market. You get real repair bids instead of letting buyer estimates dictate the negotiation.

You uncover items like drainage problems, roof wear, GFCI upgrades, sewer line issues, or moisture concerns while you still have full control. With repairs done and receipts, warranties, and a full report ready for buyers, you reduce fear, build trust, and protect your price. Homes with pre-listing inspections tend to sell for more and with fewer headaches because buyers feel confident from the start.

If you want to protect your equity and avoid losing thousands during the inspection process, feel free to call or text me at (215)-669-6285 or email dianeandteam@cardanohomeservice.com. I can help you with the entire inspection process so you don’t have to do the guesswork. Your home is one of your largest financial assets – it deserves a strategy that keeps you in control.