Home Inspection Tips for Sellers
Preparing for your home inspection
A home inspection can be a stressful time in the selling process. Wondering what the home inspector will find can be nerve-wracking. Relax! No home is perfect. Buyers want to know exactly what is wrong with their future home, just as you will when you purchase your next home. Follow the tips below to make sure your home inspection goes as smoothly possible.
Turn all utilities on.
The home inspector will be testing appliances, running water, making sure lights and outlets work, etc. during the inspection. Utilities (gas, water, electricity) will need to be turned on in order to conduct a proper inspection. Having these utilities turned on will not only save time during the inspection, but can also avoid a re-inspection, which may include an additional fee.
Repair items before the home inspection.
Schedule repair for any known items or concerns before the date of the inspection. Don’t cross your fingers and hope that the inspector will miss the issue. Even minor things can show up on the home inspection report. It is better to fix items on your own terms than to negotiate with buyers about repairs. Something you think is a minor issue may be an important item to the buyer.
Allow the home inspector time to do their job.
Standing over the home inspector’s shoulder is not going to help with the inspection. Allow the inspector time and space to do their job. Most home inspections will take 2 to 4 hours on-site depending on the size of the home. Older homes and larger homes can add time to the inspection. Additional services, such as a pool or crawl space inspection, can also add time.
The buyer and buyer’s agent usually attend the home inspection. Buyers can sometimes feel uncomfortable if the seller is present during the inspection. This is their time to get a feel for the home and take any measurements, notes, etc, that they may need. The home inspector will also point out important items like electrical disconnects and main water shutoff valves to the prospective buyer.
Consider a pre-listing home inspection.
Scheduling a pre-listing inspection can save you money, lead to a faster close and give you a competitive edge in the market. Waiting on the buyer’s inspection report can add stress and anxiety to the sale process. Items noted in the buyer’s inspection report will need to be repaired by licensed contractors. Pre-listing home inspections can eliminate stress and allow you to get ahead of any issues that may need to be resolved.
Prepare yourself and the home.
Become familiar with common items found during a home inspection. This can help you prepare for your inspection. Simple fixes go a long way. Below are some items that can easily be checked and corrected prior to your inspection:
Exterior
- Cut back any vegetation (shrubs, bushes, etc.) that is close-to or in-contact with your home. There should be a minimum of 6 inches between siding and vegetation
- Make sure there is at least 4-6 inches between the ground and the bottom of any siding materials
- Replace or refresh deteriorated caulking at areas such as: around windows and doors, or material intersections
- Check siding and trim for damage and repair as needed
- Inspect sprinkler heads to make sure they are functioning and aimed properly (not spraying the home). Check for any damage and verify settings at the system control panel
Roof
- Clear any debris from the roof surface
- Make sure gutters are free and clear of debris
- Inspect gutters and downspouts for damage and repair as needed
- Repair any damaged or missing shingles. Proper repair is key. A home inspector will note any substandard repairs
Garage
- Test the garage door auto-reverse photo sensors to make sure they are aligned and functioning
- Open and close the garage door to make sure it operates smoothly
Electrical
- Test all lights and replace bulbs or fixtures as needed
- Make sure batteries for any fixture remote controls are fresh
- Test smoke detectors and replace any that are 10 years or older
Plumbing
- Check for leaks under sinks and cabinets and make repairs as needed
- Tighten loose toilets and replace any deteriorated caulking
- Look for leaks or water staining around your water heater
- Replace or refresh deteriorated caulking or grout at areas such as: shower and tub surrounds, plumbing fixtures and countertop/wall intersections
- Ensure that sinks and tubs drain quickly
HVAC
- Check your air filter and replace if dirty
- Run the system to make sure that it is heating and cooling
Interior
- Test all doors and windows to make sure they are functioning properly and open/close/lock easily
- Install window screens that may have been removed for cleaning
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