Preparing for a home inspection is an important part of selling your home. The inspection can be a major factor in whether or not your home sells, and for how much. To help you prepare, here is a checklist of things you can do before the inspection.
- Clean and Declutter Your Home Before the inspection, make sure your home is clean and decluttered. This will make it easier for the inspector to access all areas of your home, and it will give them a better impression of your home. Start by removing any excess clutter and organizing your belongings. Then, clean your home from top to bottom, paying special attention to areas that are likely to be inspected, such as the kitchen, bathrooms, and basement.
- Fix Minor Repairs If there are any minor repairs that need to be done, take care of them before the inspection. This could include fixing leaky faucets, replacing burned-out light bulbs, and repairing small cracks in the walls. By taking care of these minor repairs, you can show the inspector that your home has been well-maintained.
- Check Your Home's Systems Before the inspection, make sure your home's systems are in good working order. This includes your HVAC system, plumbing, and electrical systems. Check that all lights and outlets are working, and replace any broken or missing switch plates. If you have a septic system, have it pumped and inspected before the inspection.
- Provide Access to All Areas of Your Home Make sure the inspector has access to all areas of your home, including the attic, basement, and crawl spaces. If any areas are locked, be sure to provide keys or unlock them before the inspection. Also, clear any obstacles that may be blocking access to these areas.
- Gather Important Documents Gather any important documents related to your home, such as warranties, repair records, and permits. These documents can help the inspector understand the history of your home and its systems. If you have made any major renovations or additions, be sure to provide documentation of these changes.
- Leave Your Home During the Inspection During the inspection, it's best to leave your home and give the inspector space to work. This will allow them to focus on the inspection without any distractions. If you can't leave, try to stay out of the way and avoid following the inspector around.
- Address Any Major Issues If the inspector finds any major issues with your home, such as a leaky roof or a faulty electrical system, it's important to address these issues before listing your home for sale. Not only can these issues be a safety hazard, but they can also scare away potential buyers.
Keep in mind that if you have a home inspection within 2 years of listing your property in Texas you must disclose it upon listing. This is another reason it’s a good idea to address any major issues found prior to listing.
By following this checklist, you can help ensure that your home is ready for the inspection and increase your chances of a successful sale. Remember, the inspection is just one part of the selling process, but it can be a crucial one.
Written by: Texas Roadrunner Realty with ChatGPT
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