How to Get Your Home Ready for a Buyer’s Inspection

Home inspections have become a standard procedure for home purchase transactions. 

In the following paragraphs, we’ll cover the important steps that you should take before your home inspector knocks on the door. 

You’ll learn how home inspections work and what you can do to get the go-ahead.

Do You Have a Scheduled Home Inspection?

Usually, the inspector arrives to carry out the inspection during the dates between purchase agreement signing and final closing.

Sellers should get their homes in top shape prior to the inspection. Should there be any serious issues, your buyer could take back the offer and look elsewhere for a better deal, warns T-Square Properties.

Why are Home Inspections Carried Out?

The purpose of a home inspection is to let the buyer know whether the property’s conditions are up to par. 

In Most Cases, the Process Looks Like This:

1. The buyer wants to purchase a home and find a suitable place.
2. The seller agrees to the terms after receiving an offer from this buyer.
3. There might be prior negotiations concerning the closing date and total price.
4. Both sides sign a purchase agreement.
5. The buyer orders and pays for a home inspection.

As a seller, you face the risk that a hidden problem is uncovered during the inspection. The home inspector will give a detailed overview to the buyer, meaning that your prospect could withdraw their offer.

That’s why home inspections are much more than just formal procedures. The aim of these inspections is to make sure that buyers get a good deal. Sellers should take this step seriously and prepare in advance.

In fact, some homeowners contact a home inspector before putting their place up for sale. They want to identify and fix potential problems before showing any property showings. When a seller does this, it is called a pre-listing inspection. 

What Does the Home Inspector Focus On?

A home inspector concentrates on key components of your home. These areas have the highest risk of issues that could break the purchase agreement.

• The condition of electrical wiring and associated items
• Structural integrity and foundation issues
• Signs of pest invasion and excess moisture
• The status of plumbing, including pipes and valves
• Roofing quality and signs of potential water damage

The scrutinized areas of your home depend on the inspection contract. Some agreements may include further points that will capture the home inspector’s full attention.

How Can You Get Ready for a Home Inspection? Peace of Mind 

Let’s take a look at these practical suggestions. The following tips help you get the best results out of your home inspection.

#1: Provide Complete Access 

Your home inspector needs access to your attic and basement. Sometimes these areas might be hard to reach. For example, you should remove boxes that are stacked against the walls and any items that are obstructing the access.

You have to allow the inspector to check your electrical boxes and enter the outbuildings. Leave clearly labeled keys on the table. A failure to access any rooms in your home could result in a reinspection.

#2: Tidy Your Home

Homeowners often forget to clean up before the inspector arrives. The sale period is hectic, and this obvious step may easily be forgotten. But displaying a clean home is essential.

It’s true that your home inspector won’t evaluate the cleaning efforts. However, showing a clean living space says quite a lot about the owner. Plus, the procedure takes less time when there isn’t junk blocking the inspector’s way.

#3: Gather All the Paperwork

Remodeling and renovation projects result in invoices and other documentation. Let your home inspector see all of this paperwork. That’s because the home buyer needs to be sure that modifications rest on solid ground.

Provide documents concerning even for the smallest of projects, such as the installation of a new water heater or switch from an ungrounded to a grounded electrical system.

#4: Check the Basics

Before your inspector arrives, check all the items on the following list:

• Do you have any pest issues? Get this sorted out prior to the inspection.
• Ensure that all the locks work properly.
• Are all your fire extinguishers up to date?
• Any backed up drains should be unclogged before the inspector arrives.
• Check the expiration dates of your smoke detectors.
• Are doors and windows opening/closing as they should?
• Is the HVAC maintenance properly carried out? Replace worn filters.
• Re-caulk around your tubs and sinks, if needed.

Fixing all these small issues leaves your inspector with a better impression.

Should You Stay Home for the Inspection?

Not really. It’s common courtesy to leave your home for the inspection. 

On average, these inspections take around two to three hours. Typically the buyer will accompany the inspector during the visit.

Does your family have pets? If so, remove your pets (that you can – such as dogs & cats) from the property for the duration of the inspection. It’s a polite thing to do because your pet’s behavior could make it harder for the inspector to carry out the procedures.

Following These Tips Will Help Make Sure Your Inspection Goes Smoothly

Home inspections are an important part of any home purchase transaction. 

The buyers want to ensure that there are no serious flaws hidden in the property. That’s why they pay an inspector to investigate a prospective home.

Here are the Top Things To Do Before Your Home Inspector Arrives:

• Provide full access to all areas of your home
• Check your home for basic issues prior to the inspection
• Tidy up all the living spaces for easier access
• Present paperwork tied to remodeling, renovation, and other projects
• Take a leave from your home during the inspection and take any pets with you