Whether you’re moving forward from a previous place of residence or you’re someone that flips houses for a living, it’s time to get ready for a home inspector. As a seller, you need to be able to prepare well before a formal inspection happens.
Usually, a home inspection that’s done pre-listing is ideal, but sometimes a seller will need to keep up with a rather quick real estate market by just listing the home right away. In those cases, a potential buyer will schedule a home inspection after an offer they made has been accepted.
Preparation Is Key
There are many external factors that can lead buyers to be particularly attracted to a home to the point of making an offer. These are usually along the lines of amenities, curb appeal, location, and price. However, a home inspection report is usually what truly seals the deal for buyers. Remodeling a property will only go so far.
While a home inspection isn’t necessarily a pass-or-fail situation, any major issues found at the time will definitely impact the buyer’s offer. Sellers need to be able to prepare for a home inspection by a professional when they’re unable to get a pre-listing home inspection done.
Read on to find out the best ways for a seller to prepare for a home inspection:
1. Keep Access Points Clean and Clear
This probably goes without saying, but home inspectors will need to have free access to the property. If there’s clutter or other factors that get in their way, it will end up in the report. That will likely lead the buyer to have more questions and hesitations. To ensure access points are clear, a deep cleaning all over the property is the best course of action. Aside from decluttering, check for nooks and crannies which may have accumulated dust and dirt. When in doubt, it’s always a good idea to hire professionals who can do the job thoroughly.
2. Address Any Necessary Replacements or Repairs
The last thing you want is for the buyer to change their mind entirely because there are things that need replacement or repairs. You need to be able to address these concerns yourself so that it doesn’t end up on the home inspector’s final comprehensive report. Key items to look out for include:
- Bathroom and kitchen fixtures
- Doors and windows
- Electric fixtures and wiring
- Insulation issues
- Roof damage
- Water damage
From those alone, a wide array of minor and major issues can be discovered. For minor issues like broken light bulbs or loose door hinges, you can do that yourself. However, there will be things that are best left to the professionals, such as burst pipes or leaks in the roofing system.
Conclusion
Selling a home usually requires a professional inspection, which is best done pre-listing. However, in some cases, that’s just not possible, especially if the market is moving rather fast. It’s ideal to prepare for a home inspection by addressing any necessary replacements or repairs prior to the inspector’s visit, alongside keeping access points clean and clear.
Need to find a reputable service for home inspections in Birmingham, AL and Atlanta, GA? Reach out to Ally Property Inspections today! Our certified home inspectors are dedicated to providing excellent service.