Selling your home is a lot of work. You’ve landed a good offer and accepted it, so now your buyer has scheduled the home inspection. The contract is contingent on the home inspection results, so it’s important that this step goes well. While you won’t be present for the process, you can make sure your home is ready to be inspected. Here are 6 ways to prepare for a home inspection.
Make All Areas Accessible to Prepare for a Home Inspection
The inspector will need access to all areas of the home to thoroughly complete the inspection. If certain areas are locked and can’t be inspected, the buyer may wonder if there is something to hide. Unlock all areas that are normally secured.
If there are items in the crawlspace making parts of it inaccessible, move them. The inspector won’t move your personal belongings because it is outside of their code of conduct. If the inspection is incomplete, the buyer will probably request a second inspection, slowing down the whole process.
Replace Dead Lightbulbs
Home inspectors don’t carry extra light bulbs to determine if a dead light bulb is a reason that a light fixture didn’t work. The report will simply state that the light fixture didn’t turn on. This raises questions in the buyer’s mind, even if the solution is as simple as changing the light bulb. To keep this from happening, replace dead light bulbs throughout the home and make sure that each light turns on and off.
Fix Minor Cosmetic Issues
While minor cosmetic issues won’t likely be a reason for the buyer to back out of the deal, they will be recorded in the inspection report and remembered by the buyer. As the seller, your goal is for the inspection report to be as favorable as possible. Most cosmetic issues are easy to fix, like a broken outlet plate or an area of chipped paint. You might as well take care of them before the inspection.
Repair Leaks
Homebuyers are wary of water damage because they know that it leads to mold. If there are any known water leaks, for instance in the roof or under a sink, have them fixed prior to the inspection. Water leaks recorded in the inspection report may be a red flag for the buyer.
Clear the Perimeter to Prepare for a Home Inspection
The inspector will look at the exterior of the house in addition to the inside. Any items against the sides of the house should be moved ahead of the inspection so the inspector can fully assess the foundation and siding.
Improve Curb Appeal
Keep in mind that the buyer will likely show up to the inspection and will be making their own assumptions about the home. This is an important stage where he or she is making the final decision in whether to go through with the purchase. As they approach the home, you want them to feel confident that they are making the right choice. Improve curb appeal by sweeping off the porch, adding some flowers, and sprucing up the mailbox.
Coastline Home Inspection offers home inspections, including pre-listing inspections for sellers, in the Hampton Roads area. Contact us to schedule an appointment.
