How to Prepare Your Home for Inspection
It’s spring again (most days) and the real estate season is back in full swing. Many of you are getting ready to list your home and get it out on the market. Selling your home is stressful and the home inspection is always a little nerve-racking. Considering the number of systems and features inspectors look at, you need to prepare for it. Here are a few things to help you get ready.
- Provide Easy Access Outside and Inside – Since the inspector will be checking out the exterior of the house, including the foundation and roof, make sure the area around the home is free of debris. Depending on the season and weather, be sure to:
-Mow the lawn
-Rake the leaves
-Clear a path through the snow
Ensure there’s easy access right up to the house. Because the inspector will be checking out every room in the house, including the attic and basement, make sure they can circulate easily through the home. Clean up any clutter, move boxes away from walls and anything blocking the furnace, air conditioner, water heater and other appliances. - Be Upfront and Honest – Provide the inspector with documents concerning remodels, repairs and new items such as a roof or hot water heater. It will make the buyer feel at ease to know the inspector reexamined those items. If an appliance isn’t working, do not attempt to conceal it. Just leave a note for the inspector and explain what isn’t working and what steps are being taken to get it fixed.
- Make Sure Appliances and Fixtures Turn On and Off – If it has a switch, assume the inspector will check it. Make sure light bulbs work; if one doesn’t turn on or if it burns out while on, the inspector will need to determine if the fixture isn’t operating as it should – making for a longer inspection. Double-check pilot lights are lit. Many home inspectors will not light them because it’s a liability.
Another strategy for a smooth home inspection is to get a pre-listing home inspection before the home goes on the market.
How Does a Pre-Listing Home Inspection Help?
Pre-Listing home inspections help sellers understand what is involved in an inspection and help identify any major issues that could become troublesome during the selling process. These inspections typically focus on the major systems and come with an “Inspected” yard sign and report binder to help sell the home.
-Roof
-Foundation and walls
-Electrical system
-HVAC system
-Plumbing
-Installed systems, such as smoke and CO detectors
A pre-listing inspection can generate more interest from buyers because they will know the seller has fully disclosed the condition of the home. Also, a home inspected before it goes on the market can reduce stress during the home selling process. We are happy to discuss how a Pre-Listing inspection can help you sell your home.
