Melody Wagstaff
REALTOR®, MRP, ePro, C2EX, RENE, PSA
Realty Executives Associates
Home inspections in Knoxville and throughout East Tennessee often reveal repair items that surprise sellers, especially those who have lived in a home for many years without noticing slow changes. Experienced Knoxville Realtor Melody Wagstaff regularly sees patterns in the issues that appear during inspections. These findings can influence negotiations, timelines, and buyer confidence, which is why sellers benefit from understanding what may arise before listing a property.
This guide highlights the most common inspection items that appear in homes across Knoxville, Blount County, and Anderson County, along with why they matter during a sale.
Many homes in Knoxville and East Tennessee are built with crawl spaces due to the terrain and regional humidity. Moisture is one of the most frequent concerns inspectors note. Standing water, excessive dampness, or staining on cinder block walls can indicate previous water intrusion. Problems often stem from poor exterior grading, inadequate sealing around the crawl space door, or gaps in landscaping around the foundation.
Sellers often need to install updated vapor barriers or consult a crawl space specialist who can evaluate ventilation, drain lines, and moisture control solutions.
Uneven floors can appear in both crawl space and slab homes, especially in older East Tennessee properties that were built under different code requirements. Inspectors may find that support joists are spaced too far apart or require additional bracing. Uneven flooring can concern buyers if it appears to be a structural issue, so pre-listing evaluations can help determine whether simple adjustments or professional repairs are needed.
Metal roofs are common in rural parts of East Tennessee and sometimes show fewer issues during inspections. Shingle roofs can reveal granule loss, lifted shingles, or damage caused by heavy rain and wind. Inspectors frequently identify inadequate ventilation along the roof ridge, which can trap moisture in the attic and create long-term problems.
Sellers benefit from having an experienced roofer evaluate the condition of shingles, flashing, and venting systems before the home goes on the market.
Breaker boxes in Knoxville homes are often located inside the property, although some newer builds place them outdoors. Inspectors look for proper covers, visible wire protection, and safe installation. Any deficiencies can create safety concerns for buyers and loan underwriters.
Exterior grading around the home also affects inspection results. Soil should slope away from the foundation so water can drain properly. When the ground slopes toward the house, moisture can seep into the crawl space or basement. Sellers may need to adjust landscaping or add soil to redirect runoff.
Tree roots can interfere with septic field lines. During septic inspections, it is common for inspectors to note trees that sit too close to the field. Sellers may be advised to remove or monitor those trees to protect the system and maintain safe drainage.
Radon appears sporadically throughout Knoxville and surrounding counties. A home may test high while neighbors test low. Radon is most common in homes with basements or sealed lower levels. Many buyers request radon testing, and mitigation systems are common in the region. Sellers can benefit from testing early so they understand whether mitigation may be needed.
Listings sometimes label a lower level as a basement even when the level is partially above grade. Inspectors evaluate true basements as well as these semi-below-grade spaces. Sump pumps are common in East Tennessee homes and are not considered a defect. They serve as a preventative measure for heavy rain. Sellers simply need to confirm that pumps and drains operate properly.
Homes built decades ago often do not meet modern safety standards for stair rails, porches, or decks. Inspectors regularly cite spindle spacing that is too wide or handrails installed too low. These issues frequently appear on appraisals for FHA, USDA, and VA loans. Sellers who plan to attract a wide pool of buyers benefit from correcting these small safety items before listing.
Knoxville REALTOR® Melody Wagstaff encourages sellers to address the most likely inspection issues before listing to strengthen a buyer’s confidence and reduce the chance of last-minute negotiations. Her guidance helps homeowners understand what inspectors commonly see in this region and how to approach repairs with clarity and confidence.
If you are preparing to sell your home in Knoxville, Blount County, or Anderson County, contact Melody Wagstaff for a pre-listing consultation.
