Thank you to Crystal Brady for discussing this topic with us! Below you will find a video and the written text with it!
Home Inspection Expectations For Sellers Video
Written Portion
Tips To Prepare For The Home Inspection
Check all lightbulbs throughout the house and replace if they are out.
Home inspectors will write up bulbs that are not working in their reports. It is easier for you as the seller to replace those bulbs rather than have those items in their report. Furthermore, home inspectors cannot assume that it is just a burnt bulb in their report. Therefore, a report may seem more frightening to a buyer.
This may be a good time to address small repairs you are aware of (before inspection).
Completing small repairs will help with a cleaner home inspection report overall. This will help buyers feel more comfortable moving forward and help retain more money on your end.
Make sure you have an unobstructed path to the electrical panel & attic access.
Personal belongings and structures should be removed from the electrical panel, air handler, water heater, or other home components accesses. An inspector will not move your personal belongings and state items as unaccessible in their report.
If you have a lot of personal belongings underneath sinks, they should be relocated. Home inspectors will need to look under sinks at plumbing systems.
Vacate the home for the home inspection process.
The home inspection is paid for by the buyer so it is their inspection. Giving the buyer more space to do the diligence is appropriate. Furthermore, there are advantages to not knowing what is coming up in the inspection as a seller. Watch the video to learn more.
Treat it like a showing- turn lights on, tidy up, etc.
Just as with a buyer, we will want to leave good impressions on the home inspectors as well.
Leave a copy of relevant documentation for inspector/realtor.
This includes a termite warranty that is active or info recent installations or repairs. You should discuss with your realtor prior so they can advise you on what is appropriate to leave for inspector.
Prepare for the inspector to test the dishwasher, washer and dryer.
You should not leave items out or inside the washer/dryer/dishwasher. A home inspector may or may not test the appliances because of personal items.
Summing It Up
That concludes home inspection expectations for sellers. If you are buying a home now, you may want to check out expectations for buyers article!
If you have any further questions be sure to comment below or contact Crystal Brady!
