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Planning to sell your pre-loved home? Like most sellers, you wonder at some point or another if your home is going to pass inspection.
Though a home inspection is not necessarily required, most (if not all) homebuyers request one to protect their investment. I bet you’d do the same. Buying a home is probably one of the biggest investments a person makes during their lifetime, and it’s only right that they’d do whatever it takes to ensure they are getting their money’s worth.
And when it comes to buying a home, a home inspection is one way to really know if the property they’re looking to buy is worth its asking price. And for sellers, that home inspection can make or break a sale. You can increase your chances of selling by taking steps to prepare your home before the inspection. To help you get ready to sell, read on for 9 tips to ensure a successful home inspection.
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Declutter
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Removing clutter is actually a very important step towards a successful home inspection. When you get rid of the clutter, the inspector is able to easily access areas that must be inspected. Start by clearing the area under your sinks. Then check the accessibility of electric panels, heating and cooling systems and any other place with mechanical equipment. Those are the key areas that an inspector will need to check.
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Empty your appliances.
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Another simple (but often overlooked) trick for a smooth home inspection is to empty all your appliances. Aside from being a polite way to accommodate the inspector, this step also speeds up the inspection process. So, empty them all before your inspection. This includes your washing machine, dryer, dishwasher, sink basins and even your stove.
Ensure your attic is accessible.
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If your home has an attic, it must be accessible for the inspection. If your attic is not already equipped with a fold down ladder, it’s a good idea to provide a reliable ladder for the inspector to use, and remember to remove any obstacles in and around the attic entrance.
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Do not attend the inspection.
It may not sound like a good idea, but leaving your residence before the inspector arrives is often suggested. This way, the inspector is able to concentrate fully on the home inspection. Moreover, potential buyers are more comfortable asking questions without the owner present. It helps to communicate with the inspector a few days in advance, and then plan your day around the inspection. Most home inspectors will gladly tell you how much time they need to complete the inspection.
Unlock all doors.
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This may actually be a no-brainer, but it’s worth mentioning. Obviously, inspectors won’t be able to inspect a locked room. Before the inspector arrives, unlock all doors. This includes any gates, garage doors, sheds, and crawl spaces your home has.
Don’t keep flaws a secret.
If you are aware of any flaws your home may have, it’s best to make needed repairs prior to the inspection. However, if this isn’t possible, be sure to disclose them to your buyer, as well as to the inspector. Also, if you plan to make repairs at a later date, it needs to be communicated and documented.
While most sellers are not inclined to disclose known flaws, it is imperative to ensure a successful home inspection. The truth is, most inspectors will uncover any unmentioned flaws during the inspection. Don’t assume that disclosing flaws will destroy the deal. In fact, keeping it as a secret may do more harm than good. By keeping potential buyers informed, you can prevent most negative reactions.
Keep maintenance documentation ready for viewing.
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If you’ve made repairs, be ready to show documentation for the repairs made. It’s strongly suggested that you prepare a separate folder for each repair to make it easier for the inspector and buyer to access the data.
Check light bulbs.
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You heard that right. Check your light fixtures to ensure that the light bulbs are working as they should. This may seem insignificant, but inspectors will check everything and report accordingly. A light bulb or fixture that is not operating properly may indicate a more serious electrical or wiring issue. So, don’t get left in the dark on inspection day. Check those light bulbs now.
Present a neat and accessible home.
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Do the best you can to present your house in the best possible light. This doesn’t mean you need to conceal flaws, but do everything you can do to make the inspector’s job easier. A neat and accessible home is more likely to get a thumbs up from the inspector, and also allows you to sell your house faster.
When it comes to home inspections you can’t trust just “any” home inspector as the result of the inspection will surely have an impact on the entire home buying process. So if you’re on the market for a trusted and reliable home inspector, look no further and call Timberline Home Inspections at (205) 545-2050.
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