How Should I Prepare for the Home Inspection?
If you’re reading this post, chances are you’ve made it (or are well on your way) to one of the most important yet dreaded parts of the sellers’ process—the home inspection.
Once your home is under contract, the buyer will most likely hire a home inspector to evaluate the condition and safety of your home before closing the deal. The reality is that home inspection reports often surface major issues that can scare off potential buyers and keep your property on the market for much longer than expected.
According to the Texas Professional Real Estate Inspectors Association (TPREIA), the basic home inspection checklist includes the evaluation of the following elements of your property: structure, exterior, interior, roofing system, plumbing system, electrical system, heating system, fireplaces, air conditioning system, and insulation and ventilation.
The best thing to do is to get a pre-inspection before you list your home on the market. Getting a pre-inspection early in the process gives you time to uncover and fix any major issues that can cause your deal to fall apart—or result in time-consuming inspection negotiations later on.
If you haven’t had a pre-inspection performed on your property, don’t stress. Here’s how you can prepare to make the inspection as painless as possible:
Take Care of Minor Repairs
This probably goes without saying, but proactively fix any minor repairs that can raise red flags for inspectors and buyers alike! Things like running toilets, broken appliances, leaky faucets, dead electrical outlets, clogged garbage disposals, and other pesky issues should be taken care of before the home inspector sets foot on your property.
Make the Property Clean & Accessible
From the basement to the attic, your property should be clean and clear so that the inspector can examine every part of your dwelling. This includes everything from clearing out spaces underneath sinks to unlocking electrical boxes and doors to the HVAC system.
Spruce Up the Property’s Exterior
Don’t forget to prepare the exterior of your home prior to the inspection. Give your property a fresh coat of paint, mow the lawn, trim shrubs and bushes, clean the gutters, replace missing roof shingles and look out for things like loose deck panels and shoddy siding.
Be Honest
Being forthcoming about ongoing problems or recent repairs goes a long way—and it’s the right thing to do. Be sure to disclose any potential safety risks that can cause hazardous situations for your buyer in the future.
Would you like to review a home inspection checklist together? Call us today. to speak with an experienced real estate agent who can help you prepare for this important step in the process.
