Selling a home can seem like a complicated process. Avoid added stress and the potential for your sale to awry by being prepared for a standard 4-point inspection. Conducting a pre-listing inspection can save you hassle and make the selling process run much more smoothly.
In addition, conducting a pre-listing inspection may put potential buyers at ease. “Doing a pre-inspection sends a clear signal that you’re not trying to hide anything”, according to Zillow.com. This may help buyers feel more confident in submitting an offer.
Also, keep in mind that some mortgage lenders will not release funds if big issues are uncovered and not rectified. It’s better to be proactive and get ahead of any potential problems to ensure a smooth closing.
Knowing exactly where your home stands, in terms of repairs or issues, is also empowering when it comes down to negotiations. It allows you to feel confident to stand firm on your price, or perhaps give a little on the price (if you know serious repairs are required or will be required in the near future).
Home inspectors will primarily check 3 major categories: Appliances, Systems, and Structural Features (the inspection will encompass things like HVAC system, interior plumbing, and electrical systems, roof, attic, floors. windows and doors, foundation, basement. and structural components, then provide a written report with results).
It’s important to note that it’s possible for a buyer’s inspection to turn up a list of completely different things your pre-inspector never found. Homelight.com points out, “Though inspectors are looking for the same types of issues during all home inspections, they’re naturally going to notice different details”. However, following this pre-listing checklist may put you well ahead of the game:
- Clean and declutter.
- Furnace filter
- Stove, oven, and refrigerator
- Empty storage from attic
- Mop and/or vacuum
- Clean counters and all other solid surfaces
- Organize any closets that are access points to your attic or crawl space
- Functionality of main home inspector items.
- Open and close windows and test locks and seals
- Flush all toilets and run all faucets
- Run any ceiling or bathroom fans
- Try all light switches
- Open and close garage doors manually and with the remote, then test the reverse safety setting
- Confirm weather stripping on doors is intact
- Ensure that downspouts are properly diverting water away from the home
- Check to make sure heating ducts are connected in crawl space
- Check that fan ducts are properly venting out of the attic
- Basic safety and security.
- Replace batteries in smoke detectors
- Test carbon monoxide detector
- Have a fire extinguisher available
- Cap gas lines or chimney entry points
- Exterminate bugs or rodents
- Repair and replace.
- Replace light bulbs
- Re-caulk around bathtubs and sinks
- Repair any water damage in bathrooms
- Remove any drain clogs
- Update any dingy grout
- Replace torn screens and cracked windows
- Replace any missing roofing
- Replace damaged insulation in attic and crawl space
- Cover crawl space with 6 mm plastic sheeting
- Repair and repaint cracks, holes, or chipped paint
- Exterior home improvements.
- Sweep debris off the roof (or pressure wash if needed)
- Trim trees that are near or hanging over the roofline
- Clean out gutters
- Clear debris from around the A/C compressor, downspout drainage, and foundation vents
- Slope soil away from the home for water runoff
- Clear at least 4 to 6 inches of space around the perimeter of your home’s exterior
BONUS: Here are a few last-minute preparations for your inspection, recommended by Zillow.com:
- Plan to leave your home an hour early
- Take pets with you
- Leave remotes for garage door, ceiling fans, lights, etc.
- Leave keys for gates, outbuildings, and electrical boxes
- Turn on pilot light for gas-fired appliances, including the water heater
- Make sure all utilities are on
- Take laundry out of the washer and dryer
- Remove dishes from the sink and dishwasher
- Leave a sketch identifying the location of a well or septic tank
- Leave paperwork for any maintenance, repairs, or insurance claims
A pre-inspection gives you the power to be proactive with the sale of your home. It may cost you a few hundred dollars to complete (depending on the size of your home) but is well worth it.
Of course, completing a pre-inspection is up to you, but taking the time to complete it can help present the best version of your home and increase your odds of a smooth closing.
Sources: zillow.com; homelight.com; inspectit1st.com; themortgagereports.com
