Deferred maintenance
Upkeep that has been put off, like old paint, worn roofs, or aging systems. It lowers value and adds to what a buyer will spend after moving in.
Also called: neglected maintenance
Related terms
A home that needs significant repairs or updates and is priced to reflect that. It can be a bargain, but repair costs and financing limits are easy to underestimate.
A sale where the seller will not make repairs. Buyers can usually still inspect, and seller disclosure duties still apply in most states.
A visual check of a home's structure and systems by a trained inspector, usually during the buyer's contingency period. It finds problems before you're locked in; it is not a pass or fail test.
How attractive a home looks from the street. Landscaping, paint, and a clean entry shape buyers' first impression before they walk in.