Missing Fence Rails
Fences often show wear, especially if the house has been around a while. A missing or damaged rail is a small maintenance issue, not a major repair.
Nicked Paint
Tiny dings, scuffs, or scratches in paint are just part of a home being lived in. Asking a seller to repaint the whole place over a few nicks is a tough sell.
Foggy Windows
Foggy or slightly cloudy windows often happen when the seal between panes fails. While not a pretty sight, they’re mostly an aesthetic issue and don’t usually affect function.
Dying Plants
Dead shrubs or wilting flowers in the landscaping might make the yard look sad, but they’re not a repair issue. Plants die for all kinds of reasons, and the seller isn’t responsible for sorting out your curb appeal.
Hairline Cracks in the Driveway
Concrete cracks happen over time, and most driveways have a few. Unless you’re dealing with massive structural damage, hairline cracks are cosmetic and have no impact on your car.
Cracked Tiles
Cracked floor or wall tiles might catch your eye, but they’re usually considered cosmetic rather than structural. Most sellers won’t replace them.
Missing Smoke Detectors
You might raise an eyebrow at a home missing a smoke detector. But it’s not the seller’s responsibility to provide one, and luckily you can install one yourself for a very cheap price.
Minor Grout or Caulk Issues
A little peeling caulk or cracked grout in the bathroom looks unpleasant, but it doesn’t count as a defect. You almost certainly won’t be able to get a seller to fix this one for you.
Missing Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Carbon monoxide detectors are treated the same way as smoke detectors: houses should have one, but they’re not a legal requirement.
Light Switches That Don’t Work
A non-working light switch might annoy you, but in most cases it’s a minor electrical fix. Sellers aren’t usually obligated to rewire the house for a switch that goes nowhere.
Squeaky Doors or Floors
No seller is going to do extra work to fix squeaky doors or floors, because it’s such an easy fix you should be able to do it yourself. A little WD-40 or a few screws usually does the trick.
Dripping Faucets
A faucet that drips is usually just a worn washer or cartridge. While it wastes a bit of water, it’s a super simple DIY fix. Sellers won’t typically hire a plumber to handle something this minor.
Loose Door Handles
A wobbly doorknob or loose handle is an easy screwdriver fix you can knock out in minutes. Sellers almost certainly won’t call in a handyman for something so small.
Renovations You Are Planning
It’s absolutely not a seller’s job to renovate rooms before selling the house. It’s a waste of their money and delays the sale.
Loose Toilet Seat
A wobbly toilet seat is no big deal - it’s a $10 fix with a screwdriver. Don’t expect sellers to replace it for you.
Small Nail Holes
Tiny holes from old picture frames? Totally normal. A dab of spackle fixes them. Most sellers won’t repaint just for that.
Small Drywall Dings
Minor dents or scratches in drywall are everyday wear and tear. A quick patch and paint job after moving in makes them disappear.
Worn Carpet Corners
Carpet showing wear on the edges isn’t unusual. Sellers rarely replace flooring unless it’s truly trashed. Budget for your own carpets later if you like.
Outdated Fixtures
Dated light fixtures or faucets may not fit your style, but that’s personal taste. Change them yourself after closing - it’s part of making the place yours.
Loose Cabinet Doors
Cabinet hinges can loosen over time. Tightening a few screws usually does the trick. No seller is hiring a handyman for that.
Stained Driveway
Oil or rust stains on a driveway look bad, but they’re cosmetic. A power washer or cleaner solves it - don’t expect the seller to get their hands dirty.
Dirty Grout
A seller won’t regrout the whole bathroom for you - dark grout lines aren’t pretty, true, but they just need a good scrubbing to sort them out.
Drafty Doors
A little air coming in around doors? That’s what weatherstripping is for. Super cheap fix, and one of the first projects most homeowners tackle.
Outdated Appliances
You might want shiny new stainless appliances, but sellers don’t owe you new appliances and probably won’t appreciate you asking. Just replace them when you’re ready to splurge.
Minor Landscaping Issues
Patchy grass or uneven mulch isn’t something sellers usually fix. Yard work is one of the first easy ways to make the house yours.
Loose Handrails
A slightly wiggly banister can be tightened with a few screws. Not serious enough to demand repairs - just a quick weekend project once you’re in. Be careful using the stairs til it’s fixed, though.
Missing Lightbulbs
Burned-out or missing bulbs are about as low-stakes as it gets. Replace them after moving in - you’ll want your preferred brightness or color anyway.
Loose Floor Vents
Floor registers sometimes rattle or don’t sit flush. Sellers won’t fix this. A $15 replacement at the hardware store takes care of it.
Outdated Thermostat
The seller isn’t going to install a smart thermostat for you. If you want modern controls, upgrade later, it’s incredibly easy.
Cosmetic Ceiling Cracks
Hairline cracks in ceiling drywall are common and usually just cosmetic. A little joint compound smooths them out. Don’t make your seller do it.
Old Showerhead
An outdated or weak showerhead isn’t a seller problem. Swap it out for $20–$40 and enjoy the upgrade instantly after moving in.
Stuck Closet Doors
Sliding or bifold closet doors that jam are a quick track adjustment job. Sellers won’t tackle that, it’s considered another job for you.
Dirty Vents
Dusty HVAC vents might look gross, but that’s just housekeeping. A quick wipe or replacement cover does the trick, no seller involvement needed.
Sticky Windows
Older windows sometimes stick when opening. A little lubricant or sanding usually solves it - no need to bug the seller over this.
Termite Damage
If a termite inspection shows active infestation, yes, that’s worth discussing. But if it’s old damage that’s already been treated, most sellers won’t agree to fix cosmetic marks left behind.
