How to Prepare Your Home for an Inspection
When selling a home most homeowners go through a home inspection process. In fact, most purchase agreements include a contingency based on the outcome of the home inspection. The buyer has the right to walk away from the contract if the home inspection reveals issues and the two parties can’t come to an agreement about repairs.
At Kenco Home Inspections, we have over 15 years of experience conducting home inspections in Southeast Florida. We’ve seen homes in all conditions and know what works best to prepare your home for an inspection.
The goal is to present your home in its best light and make it easy for the inspector to do the job right. If you’re working with a real estate agent, you’ve likely already done much of the work to enhance your home before the listing. This makes getting inspection ready even easier.
Tips to Prepare Your Home for an Inspection
Ensure Access to All Parts of the Home
Unlock all areas of the home or provide marked keys, including those normally left locked. For example, the utility room may remain locked to keep small children safe. Likewise, homeowners lock storage sheds and outbuilding for security.
The home inspector needs to access each area of the home. Not allowing access means an incomplete inspection which could lead the buyer to walk away from the deal.
Leave Your Home During the Inspection
The seller shouldn’t be present for the buyer’s inspection. Both the buyers and their real estate agent usually attend the inspection. Leave before the scheduled inspection time. Take all members of the household, including pets, with you.
The buyer and inspector need the space and comfort to inspect the home and communicate without the homeowner present.
Clean and Clear Clutter
Hopefully, you’ve cleaned and cleared most of the clutter before you listed your home. However, it’s best to keep your home clean during the contract process. If you are packing and moving items, ensure doorways and home systems are clear of boxes or other clutter.
A dirty home leaves a negative impression. You are still trying to move the deal forward, you don’t want the buyer to have second thoughts because you’ve left a mess.
Do Routine Maintenance
Many home maintenance tasks are budget-friendly DIY items. Replace old light bulbs, change the HVAC air filter and ensure the fuse box has correct labels. You don’t want embarrassing items listed on an inspection report when it’s a simple fix.
Also, address any basic plumbing issues. Toilets that run frequently and leaky faucets are usually easy to repair. Items listed on an inspection report require proof of repairs, which cost time and money. It’s easy to correct these issues before the inspection.
Address Basic Curb Appeal
The home inspector isn’t measuring the height of your grass or weeds in the flower beds, but these issues make an impression. You want to focus on the overall appearance of your home. Don’t create red flags with an unkempt yard.
Take the time to mow the lawn, pick up toys and other clutter and weed in the days leading up to the home inspection. The new buyers and their real estate agent are looking for a well-cared-for property.
Keep Utilities Running
If you are no longer living in the property, don’t turn off the utilities too soon. The home inspector needs to check the systems, like the HVAC and plumbing. If the buyer doesn’t have information about these major home functions, they may not want to purchase the home.
Be Prepared to Close the Deal
It’s stressful to sell a home. But, you can set yourself up for success by being prepared for the home inspection.
At Kenco Home Inspections, we want both the buyer and seller to feel confident during a home inspection. Contact us today with questions about your home or to schedule an inspection.