A well-prepared home not only instills confidence in your potential buyer, but also ensures a smoother transaction. But it requires taking a proactive approach and attention to detail to get your home in order.
By following the following nine steps, you will not only enhance the appeal of your property, but also make for a more seamless home inspection:
- Fix the Small Stuff: Complete any needed minor repairs before the inspection. Tighten any loose doorknobs, fix leaky faucets, lubricate squeaky hinges, fix broken windows and screens, replace faulty switches, and other quickly fixable issues. These may seem insignificant, especially since a buyer has already put an offer on the home, but they could make the buyer suspect bigger problems are around the corner. Tackling these small issues demonstrates that you cared for your home.
- Check the Curb Appeal: As you might recall from when you put your house on the market, first impressions are crucial. Even though your house is now under contract, you still want to ensure your home’s exterior is inviting and well-maintained, setting a positive tone for your inspection. Simple steps to take include trimming any overgrown bushes, mowing the lawn, and sweeping up leaves and other debris.
- Clean and Declutter Your Home: It should be in the same condition as when you put your home on the market. And it can even enable the home inspection to go quicker. One more thing: you should ensure proper lighting throughout the home – including your basement, attic, and crawl space – to make it easier for the inspector to complete their job.
- Ensure Easy Access to the Key Areas: To facilitate a thorough and efficient examination, make it easy for the inspector to access essential areas such as the attic, basement, and crawl spaces by removing any clutter and storing personal items neatly. Helping the inspector do their job saves time for everyone – including you.
- Check for Pests: If you see any signs of pest infestation, such as termites, mice, or ants, you will want to remediate them before the inspection.
- Service Your HVAC System: A well-maintained heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is a significant selling point. Schedule a professional service of the HVAC system prior to the inspection to ensure that the system is in good working order. Be sure to replace the air filters, clean the vents, and provide documentation to the inspector of your recent maintenance.
- Check Electrical and Plumbing: Test your home’s electrical and plumbing systems to see if there are any signs of issues (and, of course, fix them before the inspection). You should also ensure that your electrical panel is properly labeled.
- Inspect Your Roof and Gutter: Since they play a vital role in protecting your home, inspect your home’s roof for missing or damaged shingles – and replace them – and clean out the gutters to prevent blockages. The more you show you care for your home, the better the inspection will go.
- Organize Your Documentation: Compile all your essential documentation, including warranties, permits, maintenance records, and the receipts for recent repairs or renovations, into one file. Having them available can provide valuable information to the inspector and reassure potential buyers about the care and upkeep of your home.
As your Evanston Experts, my team and I at Jackie Mack & More understand the importance of making a positive impression during the home inspection process.
Please feel free to reach out to us. We’re here to help make your home selling or home buying experience as painless and stress free as possible. We look forward to the opportunity to serve you.
