A home inspection is typically paid for by the buyer after you have accepted their offer. Getting your home ready for a home inspection is easy. It’s as simple as cleaning your home, providing clear access to key areas, and keeping the utilities on.
A home inspection isn’t expensive. I will sometimes recommend that sellers schedule a home inspection prior to listing, to uncover any potential problems and address them long before they become an issue on the negotiating table. A home inspection will typically cost somewhere in the range of $300-$500 for a 2-3 hour inspection of a single family home. Electrical Wiring, HVAC, the foundation, chimneys, and roofing are all closely examined. You can choose to fix or disclose issues and price your home accordingly.
Here are the basics when getting ready for a home inspection, whether you are scheduling or the buyer is scheduling.
Prepare Your Home for the Inspector
Clean & Declutter: Cleaning & decluttering your home is an important step when staging your home for prospective buyers. It is also an important step during home inspections. While a white glove test isn’t part of the home inspection process, a clean and tidy home will set a very positive tone when the inspector arrives and keep them happy as they are given easy access to all the rooms in your house.
Utilities: If you have already moved out of your home, you will need to leave the utilities on for the home inspector to conduct a full inspection. The home inspection process will include the HVAC system, plumbing, and other household systems that require electricity, gas, and water. If the utilities have been shut off the inspector will be unable to finish the job.
Unobstructed Access: The home inspector will need easy access to your electrical panel, furnace, attic, basement, and all areas of your home. Be certain there are no obstructions.
Routine Maintenance: Replace your HVAC filters in a timely fashion. Your filters need to be replaced at regular intervals, usually every 90 days. Refer to your owner’s manual from the manufacturer. Keep up with all of your regular maintenance around your home.
Remove Your Pets: You need to find accommodations for your dogs, cats, and any other pet that normally enjoys the freedom to roam around your home. The inspector needs access to all the rooms of your home and the work should not be hindered by pets (no matter how friendly the animals are). They need to be taken out of the home for the inspection.
Remove Yourself: You don’t need to leave your home if you are scheduling the home inspection. You will want to be there to better understand the condition of your home (you will also receive a formal report following the inspection). But it is best to remove yourself from the equation when the buyer and buyer’s agent schedule the inspection. They will attend the inspection and can make the buyer uncomfortable when the seller is present.
I look forward to helping you sell your home on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. I am a resident and have a lifetime of Eastern Shore relationships, resources, and real estate experience to market and sell your home effectively. Contact Chuck Mangold today!
Chuck Mangold