Which Home Issue Is the Real Deal-Breaker in Ohio?

March means basketball brackets, Cinderella stories—and for Ohio homeowners and agents, the kickoff of the busy spring real estate season. While fans debate who’s making it to the Final Four, we’re hosting our own version of March Madness: Home Inspection Edition.

Because let’s face it—when the snow melts in Northeast Ohio, the real competition begins: buyers vs. leaky basements, aging roofs, and DIY disasters.

Let’s break down the bracket and find out which issues send buyers running and sellers scrambling.

Round 1: The Bracket Breakdown

We’ve seeded eight of the most common (and cringe-worthy) home inspection findings in Ohio. Here’s how they match up:

1. Leaky Basement vs. Faulty Wiring

• Leaky basements bring mold, moisture, and negotiation headaches.
• Faulty wiring raises serious safety concerns and may require a full electrical overhaul.

Which would derail your buyer faster?

2. Aging Roof vs. HVAC on Its Last Leg

• That 20-year-old roof might not make it through another Ohio storm.
• A failing HVAC system means comfort—and budget—are on the line.

Which one scares off more offers?

3. DIY Plumbing Disasters vs. Mysterious Foundation Cracks

• PVC patched with duct tape isn’t fooling anyone.
• Foundation cracks trigger questions no one wants to answer: cosmetic… or catastrophic?

Which would you rather not explain on walkthrough day?

4. Unidentified Odors vs. Signs of Pests

• That mystery smell might be mold… or something worse.
• Rodent or insect evidence raises alarm bells—especially for first-time buyers.

Which one stops a deal in its tracks?

Our Predicted Final Four

Based on what we see most often in the field—and what buyers react to most dramatically—here’s our call for the Final Four:

• HVAC on Its Last Leg – Comfort is king.
• Unidentified Odors – If you can smell it, you can’t ignore it.
• Leaky Basement – A classic Ohio issue that shows up every spring.
• Faulty Wiring – Safety issues tend to trump everything else.

Why It’s More Than Just a Game

This fun bracket isn’t just for laughs (though we’ve got a few inspection stories to share). It’s also a reminder: your clients depend on you to help them understand which issues are serious, which are negotiable, and how to move forward with confidence.

Whether you’re helping a seller prep a listing or guiding buyers through their first inspection report, recognizing these red flags can save time, reduce surprises, and keep deals on track.

Agents: Cast Your Vote

We want to hear from you!
Which home inspection issue has been the biggest deal-breaker in your experience?

Visit our Facebook page to cast your vote and see how your bracket compares to others in the field. We’ll share results—and a few photos from real inspections—next week.

Stay in the Game with Front Line Inspection Services

Spring real estate season moves fast—and so do we. From pre-listing inspections to buyer walkthroughs, our team is ready to help you tackle surprises before they become setbacks.

Need to prepare for the market? Have a buyer who needs clarity?
Contact us or book an inspection today and keep your next deal on solid ground.