How to Prepare for Home Inspections
CAMERON WARD
Home inspections are much more comprehensive than they were 20 years ago, so it is more important than ever that home sellers know what to expect and how to prepare. Here are some tips for sellers to have the best chance of getting to the closing stage on their homes:
DISCLOSE IT!!! Disclosing potential home issues is the most important aspect of having a successful inspection period. If you know of existing home issues, you need to disclose them to your buyer. If there are known issues that you are in the process of repairing, disclose those as well. If you think something might be an issue, disclose it.
Have a professional evaluate any potential issues. See a stain on your ceiling? Have a roofer inspect for leaks. Water pressure low in your shower? Have a plumber take a look. Precursory evaluations and estimates from qualified local professionals give you the best knowledge to make informed decisions before your buyer even goes under contract on your home.
Think about a regular roof inspection. All too often I see contracts canceled because a roof needs replacing and a homeowner had no idea. Hail damage, wear caused by overhanging tree branches, or just old age can cause a roof to fail inspection. Roof replacement can be costly, but if you can plan ahead by knowing it’s an issue, you won’t have a surprise when it comes time to sell.
If you live in an older home, consider having your sewer line inspected before you go under contract. There is almost no situation in which a buyer will close on your home if the sewer line is damaged or failing. Just like your roof, these issues can be unknown but costly. Plan ahead and eliminate surprises.
Have all areas of your home accessible when it comes time for the home inspection. Boxes covering walls, electrical panels, attic access, etc., can interfere with the inspection. On many occasions, I have had buyers assume that a seller is covering a problem because the inspector couldn’t access an area. Don’t create doubts; clear those important spaces because the inspector will need access.
Scrape and repair areas with chipping paint. Even if your buyer doesn’t request these repairs during their inspection period, some home loans will require scraping paint to be repaired before the appraiser will clear the property. These repairs are annoying when you find out about them a week before closing. Walk around the exterior of your home before you list it, to see if there’s any paint that needs to be addressed.
Do you suspect any mold in your home? Have it tested. Mold testing is affordable, and it is one more way to avoid surprises during the inspection period.
Ask your Realtor if they see any potential inspection concerns. All of the agents at The Alms Group have a practice of attending home inspections, so we can point out potential concerns that should be evaluated before you even go under contract. Our experience can save you time and money.
Following these simple steps can help you significantly increase the chance of the contract on your house closing. Home inspections shouldn’t be a scary thing for sellers; they protect you as well by reducing the chance of a dreadful phone call after closing from an upset buyer with problems at their house. We’re always here to give you sound advice to help your home sale be a great experience!
