Selling your home is stressful enough without having to worry about the home inspection and how it might reveal problems. Preparing ahead of time is the key to ensuring a smooth inspection.
No home is perfect, so make sure you let potential buyers know if you have major issues that might end up costing them big money down the road, much as you would want to know before you decide to buy your next home.
To make the home inspection process more efficient, you can follow these steps:
Step 1: Have the home inspected before scheduling repairs or cleaning.
Make sure the items you already know about are taken care of instead of hoping the home inspector will overlook them. Is your faucet leaking?
Scuff marks and peeling paint are present in high-traffic areas? Are carpets soiled? The presence of several small issues may raise a red flag to potential buyers, leading them to wonder what else could be wrong.
Step 2: Know what to look for during a home inspection. You can prepare for the inspection by knowing what to look for. There are some simple things you can do to increase your home’s curb appeal, such as cutting back any shrubs, bushes, or other vegetation close to your house; replacing or refreshing worn caulking around windows, doors, and in the kitchens and bathrooms; cleaning out gutters; replacing lightbulbs or fixtures that do not function properly; and testing all doors and windows to ensure that they open, close, and lock freely.
Step 3: Provide space for the home inspector. If possible, leave before the scheduled inspection as soon as possible. You may feel uncomfortable asking questions if you’re there, as the potential buyer will normally want to be present.
Several factors can affect the length of time needed for a home inspection. Older and larger houses can require more time for inspection.
Appliances that use wood as fuel may also require more time. As part of the home inspection, the home inspector will also point out important items such as electrical disconnects and main water shutoff valves to the prospective buyer.
Are you wondering how you can ensure your home inspection goes smoothly when you are selling it? Contact us today and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
