I'm getting ready to sell my home, and I have a home inspection coming up. We've done a lot of updates over the years, so I feel pretty good about it. However, I want to ensure that the inspector and potential buyers can easily see everything. Are there specific things I should make accessible for the inspection? Also, what are some common issues I might need to address or be aware of before the inspection happens?
3 Answers
Don't stress too much! Your realtor should guide you on anything you might need to do. Typically, buyers will flag any issues, but it's not mandatory for you to fix everything. If there are minor things that need repair, you have the option to either fix them or give credits for the buyers to handle it after purchase. Just make sure nothing major is hidden, as inspectors tend to look for those hidden areas as well.
Honestly, most inspectors are looking for significant issues rather than nitpicking small things. They’ll check the foundation, roof, plumbing, and electrical systems to assess condition and safety. If anything stands out as broken or unsafe, they’ll note it down for the buyers. It helps to make sure everything is functional, like testing smoke detectors and checking for leaks. Beyond that, don't worry too much about superficial appearances.
Got it! So mainly focus on functional aspects, I appreciate that.
As a retired inspector with over 30 years of experience, my best advice is to keep things simple. You don’t really need to prepare too much, but make sure to clear access to key areas like your attic and electrical panel. Inspectors appreciate not having to move personal items. Remember to clean up a bit—no one wants to see dirty dishes in the sink! Also, leave any important keys in an obvious place. Just a heads up, keep anything personal out of sight for the day of the inspection; it's better for everyone involved!
Thanks for the tips! I didn’t think about clearing the attic access, but it makes total sense. I'll also remember to tidy up the place a little more.
That’s reassuring! I’ll check in with my realtor to see if they have any specific recommendations.