Home inspections have a reputation for being deal killer. In fact, one out of every 20 real estate transactions hit a fatal snag along the way, and nearly a third of the ones don’t make it to closing and fall apart because of issues that turned up during the inspection, according to data from the National Association of Realtors.
Although real estate is an appreciating asset, a property’s structure deteriorates over time and requires significant upkeep. Although some problems that arise will be apparent—like a burst pipe or deep crack in the driveway—not all of the wear and tear on a home’s inner workings are visible to the naked eye.
That’s why when the time comes to sell your house the inspection could yield surprises even if you’ve kept to a routine home maintenance schedule. It’s a nerve-wracking position to be in as a homeowner, so we’ve asked experts in the field for their top home inspection tips to help sellers prepare mentally and logistically for this step on the road to closing.
Tip #1: Allow the inspector the necessary time to do their job thoroughly.
Rushing the home inspector isn’t going to do you any favors. You should expect that the process will take a minimum of 2 to 3 hours of time, with a general rule of an hour per 1,000 square feet. The inspection may last longer if your home is particularly old or has additional features to inspect such as a pool, shed, attic, or crawl space.
The buyer and the buyer’s agent are typically at the house during the inspection, but in most cases it’s best for the seller to leave. Have your agent communicate with the buyer’s agent about scheduling. Perhaps you can arrange for the appointment to be while you’re at work or can get everyone (including the kids) out of the house for a few hours. If you want to be present for the inspection, talk to your agent about the pros and cons. Be aware that being there may make the buyer uncomfortable.
Tip #2: Leave the house in fully operational condition for the inspection.
Make sure that all utilities—gas, water, and electricity—are on, and provide the remote controls for any associated equipment such as lights or ceiling fans. This is particularly important when you’re selling a vacant home or if you’ve already moved out of the property. The inspector will want to make sure that all appliances function properly and the utilities must be on for this to happen! All of this will make it much easier for the inspector to do their job as quickly and thoroughly as possible.
Tip #3: Get familiar with the types of things home inspectors look for—and mentally prepare for a laundry list of issues.
Home inspection reports, which document the home inspector’s findings, are long and detailed—and (if you get your hands on a copy as the seller) will likely make you feel like your house is falling apart. The reality is many of the things on the report won’t ruffle any feathers—like cobwebs in the crawl space. The things that you should be prepared to remedy or negotiate on are the big ticket items that pose a safety or health issue or constitute a building code violation.
Some signs may include:
- Signs of water damage
- Issues that threaten the home’s structural integrity
- Damage to the roof
- Problems with the home’s electrical system such as faulty wiring
- Plumbing issues whether it be corroded or leaking pipes
- HVAC age and functionality
Tip #4: Don’t leave pets behind to “help” during the inspection.
Make sure that all pets are out of the house during the time of the home inspection. Your aged Golden Retriever may be as sweet as pie, but the inspector needs the space to do the most thorough job possible. Putting pets in a kennel or bedroom and closing the door is not enough—they need to be completely out of the house for the duration of the inspection.