Facebook
X
Pinterest
Copy Link
Selling your home is a series of interconnected steps. After you’ve found a buyer and accepted their offer, you’ll both sign the contract and proceed toward closing. In the period between signing the agreement and handing the keys over to the buyer, they will request a home inspection to gain a better understanding of the property’s condition and discover any potential issues with its various systems and structure. The buyer usually has seven to ten days to complete the inspection after you accept their offer.
The issues discovered during the home inspector’s walkthrough give the buyer leverage to renegotiate their offer, asking that you either make or pay for the repairs in question or lower the price of your home to account for them.
Buyers will typically include a home-inspection contingency in their offer stating that, based on the results of the inspection, they are free to back out of the deal with their earnest money deposit intact. Some sellers will conduct their own inspections before listing their homes to be as transparent as possible and to reduce the chances of a buyer backing out. These pre-listing inspections can also help to streamline the latter stages of the transaction, which is especially helpful when there are multiple offers on the table. A real estate agent can provide more information about the benefits of conducting a pre-listing inspection in a competitive market.
Put yourself in the buyer’s shoes as you prepare for the home inspection. What things would you be looking for that might make you uneasy about purchasing a home? What would make you want to back out of a deal and continue your home search elsewhere? Make a checklist and address these issues before the inspection.
Home inspectors are trained professionals who will identify both the obvious and not-so-obvious issues of a property for sale. They will examine your home’s foundation, roof, attic, basement, bathrooms, and every nook and cranny in between. They may also look for signs of mold, insect or animal infestations, and things that are close to expiration or operating in an unsafe way.
At a minimum, you’ll want to make sure all the systems in your home are in working order. Check your plumbing for signs of leaks, make sure your window and door seals are airtight, replace lights that aren’t working, tighten up loose cabinet and door hinges, and make sure your fuse box is labeled correctly. Check the batteries in your smoke detectors and service your HVAC system as needed. All appliances (refrigerator, washer and dryer, dishwasher, microwave, range, air conditioner, etc.) should be functioning properly.
Be just as conscientious with your home’s exterior. Examine your roof, chimney, fence, gutters, and siding for signs of damage. Inspectors will check the structural integrity of your foundation and deck, looking for cracks or signs of damage. They also want to see that your property has proper water drainage. If there are areas of concern, a real estate agent can recommend trusted local contractors so you can start comparing quotes.
After you’ve gotten your home in tip-top shape and circled the inspection date on your calendar, you’ll want to make sure that the home inspector can access the places they need to inspect. Declutter and organize as necessary to make their job easier. If they can’t access a specific part of your home, they may not be able to properly inspect it, which could raise concerns for the buyer.
