Homes in Memphis tend to show wear patterns that buyers read as “maintenance risk,” even when the structure is solid. Humidity leaves subtle clues—sticky doors, soft caulk lines, faint ceiling stains—that inspection reports love to spotlight. Loess soil settlement adds another layer, causing minor alignment issues that make doors, gates, and trim feel off to a buyer walking through for the first time. Storm history matters too; inspectors often look for signs of past water movement around foundations, siding, and crawlspaces. A good pre-listing checklist here isn’t about remodeling—it’s about removing friction so the house feels stable, dry, and cared for the moment someone steps inside.