Home Inspection Tips

This is the scenario:

Your house is currently on the market with a competitive price. It is staged nicely and you have had many showings. Now a nice offer has finally came in from a qualified buyer.

Aaaahhh….finally. Now on to the home inspection.

Home buying and selling can be a stressful process. It can be even more stressful if you run into problems with your home inspection.

Checking off the below steps prior to your home inspection will not only show the inspector that you have made an honest  effort to maintain the home but will also reduce the chance of any last minute surprises and expenses.

1.   Clean out your gutters and remove any debris from the roof.

2.   Make sure your all water is diverted from the house – downspouts, gutters, condensation drains, and sump pumps should all be given some TLC. Grade should always slope away from structure. Also ensure that that your basement entry drains are cleaned out.

3.   Trim bushes, trees or any extra foliage back away from your roof, siding, chimneys and especially your foundation.

4.   Check your HVAC filters and replace if needed. Also ensure your return/ supply vents and plenum are clean and dust free.

5.   Check that your smoke detectors are in working order.

6.   Clean out your fireplace, woodstove and chimney and ensure that any contracted work is documented and given to the buyer.

7.   All plumbing fixtures – tubs, toilets, sinks, showers – need to be in proper working condition and leak free.

8.   If you have a sump pump, it needs to be in working condition.

9.   If you have light bulbs (smiling), they need to be replaced if they are burnt out.

10. Remove all solvents, paints, gas, dirty shop towels and anything that really should not be stored inside from your basement, crawlspace, attic, etc.

Obviously this is not an all-inclusive list but more of a “hot-list” that can be taken care of with little effort and cost.

Until next time, stay on Top of the Market.

Erik Hart
REALTOR®
Severna Park Sales
Long and Foster Realtors
410-544-4000 Office
443-889-6860 Cell
www.erikhart.lnf.com