If your house has been on the market for a while, you’re probably very excited when there’s finally an offer on the table. Unfortunately, the pressure isn’t off you just yet.

Most potential home buyers will want to have a home inspection done before closing the deal. This ensures there are no major problems they’ll have to address after they’ve purchased the home.

The inspection is an important process, as it can lead to buyers negotiating for a lower price. As a seller, you want to do everything possible to prepare for the inspection. There may be some things you can do to make the process go smoother and avoid issues regarding your selling price.

That’s why we’ve put together this home inspection checklist for sellers. Let’s get started.

Ensure Your Home is in the Best Shape Possible

When thinking about how to prepare for a home inspection, the idea is to get your house in the best possible shape. This means fixing anything you’re able to on your own. You may even opt to hire a professional.

You’ll need to start by doing a thorough examination of your home, inside and out. Look for anything that could raise a red flag in the inspector’s eyes.

Keep in mind that if a component looks like it has a problem, the inspector will most likely take a closer look. Therefore, in addition to ensuring things are in good shape, you’ll want your home to look good too.

Even if you need to sell your home quickly, you should take these steps. If you’re in a sensitive situation and need a fast offer on your home, visit this need to sell my house website.

Let’s go over some of the major components you’ll want to inspect and fix, if necessary.

Plumbing Issues

You’ll want to check all the plumbing components throughout your house. This includes sinks, pipes, toilets, and showers.

You’re looking for drips, corroded pipes, or fixtures that don’t work correctly. It’ll benefit you to fix these problems prior to the inspection.

The good thing about plumbing issues is they’re relatively easy and affordable to repair. Even if you don’t consider yourself handy, there are plenty of instructional videos online that walk you through the process.

If the issue seems insignificant, go ahead and fix it anyway. This is better than an inspector including the problem on their report.

Appliances

You’ll need to run every appliance, including the dishwater, stove, oven, and microwave. Make sure they’re in good working order.

If something has a minor issue that won’t cost much to repair, go ahead and take care of it before the inspection. If the problem is bad enough that you need a replacement, the inspector will surely report it. You either need to lower your asking price or take care of the replacement yourself.

It’s also a good idea to clean all appliances before the inspection. Making a good impression can’t hurt.

Electrical Problems

An electrical issue is a huge red flag for inspectors. Even something small like an inactive outlet could indicate a bigger, unseen issue.

If you know of any electrical problems in your home, you’ll need to hire an electrician. Alert them to the issue and let them know you’re selling home and need everything to be in good working order.

You should also ask the electrician to make sure everything is up to code. You can bet the inspector will look for possible hazards.

The Air Conditioning System

A home inspector will test your HVAC system. They’re going to make sure it heats and cools effectively and that there are no strange sounds or smells.

You’ll want to replace the air filter in your unit before the inspection. You could also clean the vents throughout your home.

Another good idea is to clear away any dead leaves or vegetation from the outdoor unit. Sometimes debris can block the intake and cause a strange smell.

If your HVAC unit has issues you can’t repair, call a professional to take care of the problem.

Mold

The last thing you want is for the inspector to find a mold issue in your home. This is a deal breaker for some homebuyers, as certain forms of mold are dangerous.

First, make sure areas prone to moisture don’t have any mold. This includes bathrooms, under sinks, basements, and attics.

If you find something that seems suspicious, you’ll need to have your home tested. The good news is a professional test is fairly affordable.

Gather Necessary Paperwork

After you’ve gone through your home, made small DIY repairs, and hired professionals to address larger fixes, you need to get some paperwork together.

You’ll want to have all warranty and maintenance information on hand during the inspection. The inspector may ask questions about certain components. These documents will help.

If you purchased new appliances, had the roof re-shingled, or made any other repairs or additions, remember to have the receipts on hand. Being able to show documentation is better than simply giving your word.

Make Things Easy for the Inspector

Once the inspection gets scheduled, there are some measures you should take to make the process easier for them.

The most important thing is to make sure they have easy access to everything. If they can’t reach certain areas, you’ll end up with an incomplete inspection report.

Make sure they can easily get into the attic and access circuit breakers, water heaters, and basements. They should also be able to enter the garage.

The inspector will look at the windows throughout your home, so go ahead and open all curtains and blinds. Also, make sure no interior doors are locked.

When it comes to the outside of your home, it’s a good idea to have all landscaping cut back. The inspector will need to examine for foundation issues and clearing a path will help.

If you’re storing items in your yard, make sure you move them away for your house. It’s also a good idea to clean out your gutters prior to the inspection.

Use This Home Inspection Checklist for Sellers

A poor inspection report could lead to a potential buyer wanting a lower price or simply backing out altogether. That’s why you need to do whatever you can to make the process go smoothly.

Don’t let minor issues cause you to lose money on your home. Take advantage of this home inspection checklist for sellers to ensure the best possible outcome.

To get more advice on selling your home, check out our blog today.