Selling your home can be both exciting and stressful, and one of the most critical steps in the process is the buyer’s home inspection. Whether your home is newly renovated or has been lived in for years, a home inspection will shine a light on its overall condition, uncovering any hidden issues that might affect the sale.
At 1st Choice Inspection Services TREC#9175, we help sellers understand what to expect during the inspection process and how to prepare. Here’s a guide to what sellers should expect during a home inspection—and how to avoid any unpleasant surprises that could delay or derail the sale.
A home inspection is typically one of the final steps before a sale is completed. The buyer’s inspector will assess the property’s condition, identifying any problems that need to be addressed. This helps the buyer make an informed decision and can also give the seller the chance to fix or disclose issues ahead of time.
For sellers, the home inspection can be a pivotal moment in the transaction. A smooth inspection often leads to a faster, more successful closing, while an inspection that uncovers major problems can result in renegotiations, delays, or even a collapsed deal. Understanding what the inspection involves allows sellers to take proactive steps to prepare.
A typical home inspection covers all major systems and components of the home. The buyer’s inspector will conduct a thorough evaluation to check for issues related to safety, functionality, and long-term maintenance. Here’s what the inspection usually includes:
The inspector will check the roof for signs of damage, such as missing or damaged shingles, leaks, or poor drainage. The attic will also be inspected for proper ventilation, insulation, and any signs of water intrusion or mold.
The foundation is a critical part of the home, and the inspector will look for signs of cracks, settling, or unevenness in the floors and walls. Any structural concerns, such as bowing walls or sagging floors, will also be noted.
The inspector will evaluate the home’s electrical system to ensure it meets safety standards. This includes checking the electrical panel, outlets, switches, and wiring for any signs of faulty or outdated components. Proper grounding and the presence of GFCI outlets in bathrooms and kitchens will also be verified.
The inspector will assess the home’s plumbing, including checking for leaks, testing water pressure, and ensuring proper drainage. The condition of pipes, faucets, toilets, and water heaters will be evaluated to identify any issues that need attention.
The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system will be tested to ensure it’s functioning efficiently. The inspector will check the furnace, air conditioner, and ductwork for signs of wear or maintenance needs.
The home’s interior and exterior will be thoroughly inspected, including walls, windows, doors, flooring, and siding. The inspector will check for any damage or wear, as well as the overall condition of the home’s exterior, such as gutters, downspouts, and drainage around the foundation.
While every home is different, there are some common issues that frequently arise during inspections. Being aware of these can help sellers prepare ahead of time:
Roofs are one of the most commonly flagged areas during home inspections. Whether it’s missing shingles, leaks, or poor flashing, roof damage can be costly to fix and is often a dealbreaker for buyers if left unaddressed.
What You Can Do: If your roof is older or you’ve noticed any leaks, consider having it inspected and repaired before the buyer’s inspection to avoid surprises.
Plumbing issues, such as leaks, low water pressure, or outdated pipes, are frequently found during inspections. Small leaks can lead to water damage, mold, and costly repairs down the line.
What You Can Do: Inspect your home for any signs of leaks, including under sinks, around toilets, and in the basement. Fix any small issues before the inspection to avoid larger concerns.
Outdated or faulty wiring, missing GFCI outlets, or overloaded electrical panels can pose safety hazards and are often flagged by inspectors. These issues need to be addressed to ensure the home meets modern electrical safety standards.
What You Can Do: If you have an older home or know of any electrical issues, consider having an electrician evaluate your system before the inspection. Simple upgrades, like adding GFCI outlets, can make a big difference.
Cracks in the foundation or signs of settling can indicate serious structural issues. Even small cracks can raise red flags for buyers and inspectors, so it’s important to address these concerns early.
What You Can Do: If you’re aware of any foundation issues, consult with a professional before listing your home. Getting an expert opinion and addressing any problems upfront can help avoid complications during the inspection.
To ensure a smooth inspection process and avoid delays, here are a few steps sellers can take to prepare:
Before the inspection, make sure your home is clean and clutter-free. This allows the inspector to easily access all areas, including the attic, basement, electrical panel, and plumbing fixtures. A tidy home also leaves a positive impression, showing that it’s been well-maintained.
Ensure that all key areas of the home are accessible to the inspector. This includes unlocking the attic, basement, garage, and outdoor areas, as well as providing keys or codes for any locked spaces. The easier it is for the inspector to complete the evaluation, the smoother the process will be.
Take care of any small repairs ahead of time, such as fixing leaky faucets, replacing cracked windows, or addressing loose railings. These minor fixes can make a big difference and help prevent the inspection report from being cluttered with easily avoidable issues.
If you’ve made recent repairs or upgrades to the home, such as replacing the roof or upgrading the electrical system, gather any documentation or receipts. Providing this information to the inspector can demonstrate that the home has been well cared for and that recent issues have already been addressed.
Once the inspection is complete, the buyer will receive a detailed report outlining any issues that were found. From there, the buyer may request repairs or ask for a price adjustment based on the findings.
Here’s what to expect after the inspection:
If significant issues are uncovered during the inspection, the buyer may request that you make repairs before closing or ask for a reduction in the sale price to cover the cost of repairs. This is a common part of the process, and being prepared to negotiate can help keep the sale on track.
If the buyer requests repairs, you’ll need to decide whether to fix the issues or negotiate a credit. In many cases, sellers agree to fix major issues, like plumbing leaks or electrical hazards, while offering a credit for cosmetic concerns or smaller repairs.
Once any repairs or negotiations have been resolved, you’ll move closer to closing. The home inspection is often the last major hurdle before the sale is finalized, so addressing issues quickly and professionally can help ensure a smooth transaction.
As a seller, understanding what to expect during a home inspection is key to ensuring a smooth process. By taking care of minor repairs, providing access to the inspector, and being ready to negotiate if issues are found, you can avoid surprises and keep the sale on track.
At 1st Choice Inspection Services TREC#9175, we help sellers prepare for inspections and provide expert advice on addressing common issues before they become dealbreakers. If you’re ready to sell your home, contact us today to schedule a pre-sale inspection and ensure that your home is in top condition before it goes on the market.
Yes, preparing your home by making minor repairs, cleaning up, and ensuring access to key areas can help the inspection go smoothly and avoid delays in the selling process.
If the inspection uncovers major issues, the buyer may request repairs or ask for a price reduction. Sellers can either make the repairs or negotiate with the buyer to reach an agreement.
A typical home inspection takes between 2 to 4 hours, depending on the size of the home and its condition. The inspector will evaluate all major systems and components during this time.
Sellers are usually not required to be present during the buyer’s inspection. However, it’s a good idea to leave the home clean and accessible so the inspector can complete their evaluation without interruptions.
It depends on the nature of the issues. For minor repairs, it’s often a good idea to fix them before listing. For more significant repairs, you can either address them upfront or be prepared to negotiate with the buyer after the inspection.
