In this hot seller's market, with competing offers driving sale prices thousands over asking, buyers are willing to overlook a lot. Homes which once would have sat for months with worn roofs, outdated kitchens and baths or older HVAC systems are now being gobbled up without complaint. But some things will still stop a sale.

Here are some real-life examples of issues discovered during home inspections and how they could have been avoided.

Wet Spot in Basement: The ground was sloping toward the house, channeling snow and water right at the foundation.

Solution: Re-grading that portion of the yard so it diverted the water in the opposite direction.

Deteriorated Siding: Missing gutters and downspouts allowed years of rain to drip directly on the side of the house, causing wood rot.

Solution: New gutters and downspouts, and repairing or replacing the siding.

Water Leaking into Attic: The roof was very old and did not have any ice/water shield, nor was the flashing around the chimney properly installed.

Solution: New roof. This one had caused so much wood rot that just patching it would not help.

Improperly Constructed Deck: This was missing joist hangers, the deck surface was bowed, and the footing was not securely attached to the cement below – a real hazard.

Solution: Shore up the joists, install joist hangers, and fortify the footing – or completely replace.

Cracked Foundation, Bowed Basement Wall: This was due to long-term neglect.

Solution: Keep the gutters cleaned out, make sure downspouts empty out far enough away from the house and re-grade the yard to slope away from the house.

Leaking Pipes Under Sinks: Older style pipes and traps, prone to leaking.

Solution: Replace older plumbing components with modern.

Bath Fan Discharge into Attic: Common in older homes, it causes moisture buildup.

Solution: Vent properly to the outside.

In most of these cases, the buyers and sellers were able to reach an agreement with a price adjustment to cover the cost of repairs. But for some, either the sellers were unwilling to meet the buyers' requests, or the buyers were scared off by the issues, and the sales fell through.

If you've got any concerns about the condition of your home, I'm happy to provide you with referrals to qualified contractors who can help you determine the best course of action. Your home is likely your biggest investment, so you need to protect that investment by giving it the care it needs. Neglect it, and you'll probably be disappointed with the results. But keep it in good condition, and you will reap the rewards when it's time to sell.