The Value of a Pre-Listing Home Inspection
Nearly every home sale involves an inspection. Buyers want peace of mind about their purchase; they want to understand the condition of their new home, and what types of repairs might be on the horizon. They also want to be sure the home is safe for their family to live in and enjoy.
A bad home inspection can really throw a wrench in your closing process. If you’re in a hurry to sell and want to avoid last-minute delays, you might want to consider scheduling a pre-listing inspection. With the help of your own inspector, you can get your home ready to sell, give your buyer confidence, and prevent unanticipated problems from slowing you down. You don’t need to fix every issue the inspector finds, but you can proactively address the significant ones or choose to price your home accordingly.
Preparation
There are a few things you can do to put your best foot forward during the inspection.
● Clean up. Inspectors don’t really care if your home is clean or dirty, but a clean and tidy home makes a better impression and makes it easier for your inspector to see what’s going on. Be especially aware of any clutter that might prevent the inspector from accessing key points such as the foundation, HVAC units, water heaters, etc.
● Look for signs of water damage. Home inspectors are especially attuned to any signs of water damage. Look around toilets, sinks, faucets, and pipes for leaks and check walls or ceilings for discoloration or staining. If you can, make repairs.
● Check out your roof. There’s no need to climb up on the roof, but certainly take a look to see if you notice broken shingles, clogged gutters, damaged flashing, or other signs of damage or wear. Almost nothing will derail a sale more quickly than a roof that needs to be replaced. If yours is damaged, you’ll need to address this.
● Recaulk. This simple step makes a huge difference. Look around sinks, tubs, showers, and windows and recaulk where you find cracks or damage.
● Check your fixtures. Make sure your switches and outlets are working as well as lights, fans, and appliances. Install GFCIs in wet areas.
● Check your safety features. Smoke detectors need fresh batteries, and radon and carbon monoxide detectors need to be present and functioning.
● Look outside. Make sure you don’t see standing water anywhere, especially near the foundation of your home. Clear away anything that blocks access to meters or the foundation and trim trees and shrubs away from your roof and gutters.
● Look for signs of water damage. Home inspectors are especially attuned to any signs of water damage. Look around toilets, sinks, faucets, and pipes for leaks and check walls or ceilings for discoloration or staining. If you can, make repairs.
● Check out your roof. There’s no need to climb up on the roof, but certainly take a look to see if you notice broken shingles, clogged gutters, damaged flashing, or other signs of damage or wear. Almost nothing will derail a sale more quickly than a roof that needs to be replaced. If yours is damaged, you’ll need to address this.
● Recaulk. This simple step makes a huge difference. Look around sinks, tubs, showers, and windows and recaulk where you find cracks or damage.
● Check your fixtures. Make sure your switches and outlets are working as well as lights, fans, and appliances. Install GFCIs in wet areas.
● Check your safety features. Smoke detectors need fresh batteries, and radon and carbon monoxide detectors need to be present and functioning.
● Look outside. Make sure you don’t see standing water anywhere, especially near the foundation of your home. Clear away anything that blocks access to meters or the foundation and trim trees and shrubs away from your roof and gutters.
Be Prepared
Your home is going to be inspected. Doing it yourself gives you the upper hand. With the help of a quality home inspection in Philadelphia, PA, you and the buyer can proceed with confidence.
