- The inspection is usually the last opportunity for a buyer to walk away with no losses
- Many buyers use the inspection as an opportunity to gain more negotiating leverage
- Buyers pay for the home inspection virtually all the time – from their own pockets
A home inspection is crucial for buyers who want to protect their interests. In many cases, lenders and insurers won’t sign on to a potential sale until they see an inspection report. But the buyer isn’t the only one who benefits: So can a motivated seller.
A home inspection is one of the biggest opportunities to lay buyers’ concerns to rest. Once they see the home is in sound condition, they are much more likely to take action quickly. In fact, you’ll usually agree on a deadline for closing soon after the inspection.
Knowing that, sellers don’t have to sit back and wait for their inspection results.
Here are four tips sellers can use for an easier, more successful inspection:
1. Make It Simple To Get Around In The Home
To do the job at hand, an inspector needs to have unfettered access to every part of the home. That means removing any clutter, unlocking all the doors, and ensuring there’s sufficient light. Turn on every light in the home the morning of the inspection. In particular, be sure there’s nothing blocking the attic, which can give important clues about the status of the roof.
2. Get Ahead Of Any Roofing Problems
A few weeks before your scheduled inspection time, it’s a good idea to perform a quick visual inspection of your roof. You can do this from ground level with binoculars. If you notice peeling shingles, loose flashing, or other problems, consider calling a roofer early. An inspector needs to document these issues, and buyers can be nervous about signs of an aging roof.
3. Keep The Lights And Water On!
Most people will turn off the utilities in a home soon after moving out. This makes sense and can save you money – but they need to be on during your inspection! Lights are essential to the inspector’s safety, and most inspections aren’t complete without testing both electrical systems and plumbing fixtures. An inspection may need to be rescheduled if there’s no utility service.
4. Check That Everything Is In Working Condition
If you’ve never had a home inspection before, prepare to be surprised at just how thorough it can be. Go over the essential safety features of the home and ensure they work before you schedule. That especially means smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, and fire extinguishers. Focus any last minute repairs on problems that could compromise safety.
Everyone benefits from a complete home inspection. Buyers and sellers alike have the facts about the structure and can move forward with confidence. Even if a particular buyer decides not to go ahead, you’ll be in a much better position to prepare the property for another buyer who’s a better fit.
At Super Inspection Pros, our team performs home inspections, 4 point inspections, and more to the highest industry standards. We’ll never keep you waiting: We’re known around our Central Florida service area for our ironclad 24-hour turnaround time.
To learn more or schedule your inspection, contact us today.
