How to Prepare for Your Home Inspection

Louisiana REALTORS® • December 9, 2024

The home inspection process is an integral part of selling your home. And just like studying in school helped when it was test-taking time, there are things you can do to prepare your home for its inspection as well. The inspection report plays a huge role in not only the selling price of your home but also whether the sale will go through at all. One way to make sure that the inspection and its results go as smoothly as possible is to perform a pre-inspection.


Why Opt for a Pre-Inspection?

A pre-inspection offers a lot of advantages. First, it will prevent you from being surprised by any major issues that a buyer’s inspector may discover. With this information, you can decide how you want to proceed in terms of making repairs or accounting for them at your asking price. Possessing a pre-inspection report also shows the prospective buyer that your home is well-cared for, which can provide peace of mind as they move forward in the purchasing process.


What Do Home Inspectors Look For?

Home inspectors look at a variety of different areas throughout the home. They will assess their current condition and any other issues that can impact the operation and safety of the home. Any appliances, like the stove, oven, refrigerator, hot water heater, etc. that remain in the house will be evaluated to ensure that they are in good working order. The structural integrity of the house will also be checked. This includes the roof, foundation, windows, doors, attic and crawl spaces, and more. The home’s major systems will also be looked over. Electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and more will be a major component of an inspector’s report.


How Can You Prepare Your Home for an Inspector?

You can make the inspection process a smooth one by doing a few things in advance. Now that you know what the areas of focus will be, they can be cleaned and decluttered. Organize anything stored in the attic, change the appropriate filters, and make sure the exterior of your home is easily accessible. You can also do a quick check of your home’s essential functions. Test all light switches, check all doorknobs and locks, and ensure all toilets and faucets are working correctly. This is also the time to make any necessary repairs that you are aware of. This can be as simple as replacing old light bulbs and unclogging drains.


These are only a few of the things that can improve the results and experience of your home inspection. However, entrusting the selling process of your home to a knowledgeable, professional REALTOR® should be your first step.

CONSUMER RESOURCES

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