Home inspections are one of the final hurdles to jump before handing the keys of your home to its new owner! They are usually conducted after the buyer and the seller have made a purchase agreement, but before the closing date. Home inspections give the buyer peace of mind as they approach the closing date, assuring them that there are no major issues with your home. It also demonstrates to the buyer your desire to have an honest and up-front transaction – not hiding any negative aspects of your home from them.
When I work with my sellers, this step of the process can cause worry and anticipation. However, I love walking alongside my sellers during this step of “unlocking new doors”. It is my job to ease their worries! I am glad to offer some tips that will help my sellers soar through their inspections.
What will be inspected?
- Structural features. One of the areas that your inspector will be most concerned with is structural features. They will spend time examining your roof, siding, crawlspace or basement, attic, windows and doors, etc.
- Appliances. Any of the major appliances that are staying in your home will also be examined. This may include your refrigerator, washer, dryer, dishwasher, laundry machine, stove, garage door, toilets, etc.
- Systems. Your home inspector will also want to verify that all your home’s systems are in working order. This mainly applies to your electrical, gas, and heating and cooling systems.
I always advise my sellers, friends, and family to get a home inspection before the house even goes up for sale. This gives you extra time to take care of issues, should any arise, as well as avoid any surprises later.
It is rare that your home inspection would reveal an issue that you are not already aware of. I will be there in the weeks leading up to the home inspection to make sure that all the normal home maintenance tasks are in tip top shape and up-to-date. I recommend replacing any burnt-out lightbulbs, making sure the toilets flush properly, and new batteries are in the garage door opener. You may also want to clean out your gutters, open and close your windows to test their locks, and take care of any bug issues that you may have, as well as making sure there are no roofing issues that have been overlooked.
Along the way, I am always happy to answer any questions you may have! Keep in mind that the buyer just wants to know that there are no major issues awaiting them, so they can move towards the closing date in peace. I know the inspection process can be a sticky part of the transaction – as a seller it is good to remember that the inspector the buyer has hired is not there to tell the buyer what a great home they are purchasing, but to point out any potential problems that could occur for the new buyer. I always tell my sellers to avoid feeling offended – instead, place yourself in the buyer’s shoes! It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
This step of “unlocking new doors” doesn’t have to be scary or worrisome at all! At the end of the day, I am always here to give advice – long before the inspector shows up!
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