Selling a home can be a challenge, and the home inspection is often the most nerve-wracking part. While you may have already made improvements recommended by your real estate agent, there could be hidden issues that only a professional inspector can uncover.
Understanding what inspectors look for and how to prepare can help you avoid delays during closing. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to get your home ready for inspection, from understanding the process to addressing potential issues.
Understanding Home Inspections
Home inspections are a critical part of the home-selling process, providing valuable information to both buyers and sellers. Next, we’ll explore who’s responsible for arranging the inspection and why pre-listing inspections can be beneficial for sellers.
Who Is Responsible for Getting a Home Inspection?
Typically, the home buyer is responsible for arranging and paying for a home inspection. While they aren’t legally required, most lenders insist on an inspection before approving a mortgage. That said, buyers can often choose to waive inspections. As a seller, you’re not obligated to schedule an inspection for your own use, but doing so can give you some advantages.
The Importance of Pre-Listing Inspections
Getting a pre-listing inspection can be a smart move for sellers. It allows you to identify and address potential issues before putting your home on the market. This proactive approach can lead to a smoother selling process, potentially avoiding delays or negotiations that might arise from buyer-initiated inspections—or worst case, a buyer backing out.
The cost of a pre-listing inspection typically ranges from $300 to $650, depending on the size and location of your home. Although this may seem like an additional expense, it can save you money in the long run by avoiding last-minute repairs that could delay the sale or reduce your asking price.
What Do Home Inspectors Look For?
Home inspectors are trained to evaluate various aspects of a property, focusing on safety, functionality, and overall condition. Their goal is to provide an unbiased, detailed report that benefits all parties involved. Here are some key areas they examine.
Structural Elements
Inspectors will check the foundation, walls, floors, and roof for any signs of damage or structural issues. They’ll look for cracks, water damage, or any indications of settling or instability.
Electrical and Plumbing Systems
The inspector will examine the electrical panel, wiring, outlets, and fixtures for safety and proper function. Plumbing systems, including pipes, drains, toilets, and water heaters, will be checked for leaks, proper installation, and efficiency.
HVAC and Insulation
Inspectors will test all heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems for proper operation and maintenance. They will also assess insulation and ventilation in attics and crawl spaces to ensure energy efficiency.
Appliances and Systems
Inspectors will test any appliances that will stay with the home after the sale. These can include clothes washers and dryers, refrigerators, dishwashers, built-in microwaves, stoves/ovens, lawn irrigation systems, sump pumps, well pumps, and more.
Additional Areas of Focus
Beyond the main systems, inspectors will also examine components like windows, doors, and flooring for functionality and wear. Ensuring that these elements are in good condition can contribute to a positive inspection report.
How Do You Prepare Your Home’s Interior for an Inspection?
A well-prepared interior can make the inspection process smoother and more efficient. Here’s how to get your home’s interior ready.
Decluttering and Organizing
Remove clutter and organize your space to provide clear access to all areas of your home. This includes closets, attics, and basements. A tidy home allows the inspector to move freely and examine all necessary areas without obstruction.
Addressing Minor Repairs
Take care of small repairs before the inspection. Replace burnt-out light bulbs, fix leaky faucets, and tighten loose doorknobs. These minor fixes can prevent unnecessary flags in the inspection report.
Ensuring Accessibility
Make sure all areas of your home are accessible. Unlock doors to all rooms, outbuildings, and electrical panels. Clear paths to attics, crawl spaces, and utility areas. This accessibility allows the inspector to conduct a thorough examination without delays.
Deep Cleaning
A thorough cleaning can create a positive impression. Clean carpets, mop floors, and dust surfaces to show that the home has been well-maintained. Pay special attention to areas like bathrooms and kitchens, as these are often heavily scrutinized during an inspection.
What Can You Do To Get Your Home’s Exterior Ready for an Inspection?
The exterior of your home is the first thing an inspector sees. Here’s how to prepare it.
Landscaping and Curb Appeal
Trim overgrown vegetation away from the house, especially near the foundation and roof. Clear gutters and downspouts of debris. A well-maintained exterior looks good and also prevents potential issues like water damage or pest infestations.
Roof and Gutter Maintenance
Inspect your roof for missing or damaged shingles and replace them if necessary. Clean gutters and check that they’re properly attached. These steps can prevent water-related issues that often concern inspectors and buyers.
Foundation and Drainage Concerns
Check for proper grading around your foundation to ensure water drains away from the house. Fill in any low spots near the foundation with compacted soil. Address any visible cracks in the foundation, as these can be red flags for inspectors.
Exterior Paint and Siding
Examine the exterior paint and siding for any signs of wear or damage. Peeling paint or cracked siding can make a bad impression. Touch up paint where needed and fix any damaged areas to demonstrate that your home has been well cared for.
What Key Areas Should You Focus on Before an Inspection?
Certain areas of your home deserve special attention before the inspection. Here’s what to prioritize:
Appliances
Ensure all appliances included in the sale are in good working order. This includes the refrigerator, oven, dishwasher, and washer/dryer if applicable. Replace any malfunctioning appliances or be prepared to negotiate their repair or replacement with potential buyers. Alternatively, you may decide to take some appliances with you when you move.
Safety Features and Detectors
Test all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms to ensure they’re functioning correctly. Replace batteries if needed. Make sure fire extinguishers are easily accessible and up to date. These safety features are crucial and often scrutinized during inspections.
Pest Control Measures
Look for signs of pest infestations, such as droppings or damage to wood structures. If you suspect any pest issues, consider having a professional exterminator assess and treat the problem before the inspection. Pay special attention to wood-destroying insects like termites or carpenter ants.
Moisture and Mold Prevention
Inspect areas prone to moisture, such as basements and bathrooms, for signs of mold or mildew. Address any leaks or water damage immediately, and consider using a dehumidifier in damp areas. Mold and moisture issues can be significant red flags for buyers and inspectors alike.
How Do You Deal With Potential Inspection Issues?
Even with thorough preparation, inspections may uncover issues. Here’s how to handle them:
Common Problems Uncovered During Inspections
Inspectors often find issues related to water damage, electrical problems, or structural concerns. Be prepared for these possibilities and understand that most homes have some issues, even if minor.
Deciding What To Fix and What To Negotiate
Prioritize safety-related issues and major structural problems. For less critical issues, you may choose to adjust your selling price or offer repair credits instead of making the repairs yourself. Consider the current real estate market and your timeline for selling when making these decisions.
Obtaining Repair Estimates
Gather estimates from licensed contractors for any significant repairs you find during the inspection. Having these figures on hand can help you negotiate more effectively with potential buyers. It also shows that you want to be transparent and fair in the selling process.
What Can You Expect the Day of the Inspection?
On inspection day, your role is to facilitate a smooth process. While you’re not required to be present, it can be beneficial to be available to answer questions or provide access to certain areas. However, give the inspector space to work without interference.
A thorough inspection typically takes 2–3 hours. The inspector will examine all accessible areas of your home, take photos, and make notes. They may point out issues as they go, but the full report will come later.
Ensure that utilities are on and functioning, and leave keys for any locked areas the inspector needs to access. Provide documentation for any recent repairs or maintenance, as this can be helpful information for both the inspector and the buyer.
What Should You Do After the Inspection?
Once the inspection is complete, you’ll need to review the findings and decide on next steps. The inspection report will detail any issues found, often categorized by severity. Review this carefully and ask for clarification on any points you don’t understand.
Decide which issues you’re willing to address and which you’d prefer to negotiate with the buyer. Be prepared to discuss repair estimates or price adjustments based on the inspection findings.
Work closely with your real estate agent to develop a strategy for addressing the inspection report. Your agent can provide valuable advice on which repairs are essential and how to approach negotiations with the buyer.
Our Conclusion
Preparing for a home inspection is a necessary step in the home-selling process. Instead of waiting until you have a potential buyer on the hook and letting them pay for an inspection, sellers can complete an inspection before they list their home for sale. This leads to a smoother closing process and helps the seller uncover and remedy hidden issues up-front that could delay the sale, lead to a lower sale price, or make the buyer back out.