I know it may seem nerve wracking to think about an inspector coming into your home to “nitpick” it’s condition. But please, don’t let it be.
Try to remember the home inspectors “job” is to tell the buyer EVERYTHING about the condition of the property. The bad but also the good! Yes, they may mention that railings are loose and toilets need tightening, but that’s frankly… their job. They may note a screw is missing in a hinge on a door… but…that’s their job. That doesn’t mean the buyer will ask for those items. Honestly… lets pray they do, because those things are cheap and easy… unlike some inspection items which are costly! The home inspectors job is ALSO to mention the positives. Is your HVAC immaculately maintained? Guess what, he will point that out! Is your filter clean? Yup, he’ll mention that too! So while all the negatives are what keeps you up at night, we can help you stage the home so the positives out way those negatives!
Here are some of our best tips for preparing for a home inspection:
Do NOT be there. Our goal is to continue to encourage the buyers LOVE for the property. We want them to feel comfortable while they are there and at ease. The presence of opposing parties takes that away.
Clean like you’ve never cleaned before! Seems simple yes, but oh so important! The buyers will be hanging out in your home for 2-3 hours… there is a lot of slack time for them and they will be looking closely at baseboards, light switches, fixtures, appliances and more! You want them to love the house during this time more than they did at their first showing!
Leave out any manuals, receipts and/or invoices for recent updates or services you may have done. The kitchen counter is a great location to leave a short hand written note welcoming the buyer and the inspector and a great place to mention any upgrades and/or servicing you have done that will help them see how great the house has been maintained!
Make sure all utilities are on (including all breakers, water lines at faucets, pilot lights for any gas fixtures including fireplaces) and make sure there is unobstructed access to all areas that will need inspecting like attics, crawl spaces, electrical panel, HVAC and water heater. All sinks should be clear of dishes or other personal items. Don’t forget to unlock sheds and outbuildings!
Clean out wood fireplace of any access ashes or logs. Make sure gas fireplace has the pilot light lite, gas key available, and any switch or remote is accessible and labeled.
Replace any and ALL burnt out light bulbs. The home inspector does not carry these around so if a light bulb is burnt out he will mention it in the report and suggest repair.
Clean off roof and clean out gutters. All the home inspectors will tell you that the largest enemy of a home is WATER! Rain should be able to slide off of your roof and leave as fast as it came. If water is able to sit in clogged gutters it will eventually cause trim rot around the outside of your home…. a big red flag for buyers.
Replace filters and clean off return vent. If you simply replace the filter, but your vent cover looks black as night, they will think you don’t do it often and then assume you are not maintaining your unit. We all know how fast dust can collect on that thing… but it doesn’t matter… all that matters is their perception… so we want it to be a good one!
Make sure all windows and doors open, close, and lock properly. If you see loose or failing weather stripping, repair it to ensure there is a solid seal.
And finally, know that NO house is perfect! The home inspector knows that, the agents know that, and the buyers know that. No one is expecting it to be… however unless you are selling a “fixer upper” for far under market value, buyers do expect the home to be maintained and in good working order!
Even with all of the above done, there are always things you don’t know about and can’t see. Once the buyers give you their repair request, the licensed contractor professionals can walk you through pricing and how to correct the items! Here is a list of contractors our clients have used in the past and love. Again, we are here to help you every step of the way!
