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How a Home Inspection Works When You’re the Seller

How a Home Inspection Works When You’re the Seller

Your home is one of, if not the biggest investment you’ve ever made in your lifetime, and for good reason. Real estate is just that – one of the few tangible investments that are actually real.

You may think getting a home inspection will work against you as the seller, but it may help you expedite the selling process.

Here’s what to expect as a seller during a home inspection!

WHAT’S INSPECTED DURING A HOME INSPECTION?

Home inspectors are very thorough in their craft! They inspect dozens of components of your house that deal with the safety and health of the property.

Here are some of the main concerns:

Plumbing and Signs of Water Damage

Home inspectors will start by assessing the property for any water damage that may have come from leaky plumbing or any previous storms. Water damage can promote mold that could be hazardous to one’s health.

Foundation

The foundation of the home is vital to a healthy structure. It may take decades for the foundation's structure to show signs of wear, but it can prove to be a hazardous and costly endeavor when it does.

Roofing, Siding, and Windows

On top of the foundation and structure, the home inspector will also take a close look at the rest of your home’s exteriors, from siding to windows to the roof, to assess the condition and document any damage present.

Electrical and HVAC

Another component of the house that takes precedent during an inspection is the electrical system. The home inspector will take a look at the state and the age of the system and determine if it’s up to date and fully functional.

A home inspector will also look at the condition of your home’s HVAC systems and keep an eye out for any trace of an insect or pest infestation.

SHOULD I PREPARE FOR A HOME INSPECTION?

The short answer is: absolutely!

Here’s a short checklist of the things you should do to prepare for a home inspection:

  1. Check to see if all your lightbulbs are working and replace any that are not.
  2. Replace the filters in your HVAC system to assure they are working at max efficiency during the inspection.
  3. Clear any clutter out of the way, so the inspector has access to the areas of the house they need to get to.
  4. Additionally, keep receipts of all the repairs you have done to your house, including:
  5. Electrical and plumbing repairs
  6. HVAC maintenance
  7. Tree trimming
  8. Pest extermination

Doing a little prep work will help the inspector finish their inspection more thoroughly and quickly!

Should I Be Present On Inspection Day?

You might think it’s prudent to be present during the inspection of your possible sale. However, the seller being present has more of a negative effect than you expect.

Not only is the seller being present awkward for the buyer, but it may also hinder and negatively impact the overall inspection grade. You want the potential buyer to feel comfortable in your home while establishing an objective atmosphere for the home inspector.

This doesn't mean you have to be absent for every home inspection of your property. A pre-listing inspection is exclusively for the seller to partake in and assess!

What Happens If My Home Fails Inspection?

Technically, a home inspection isn’t necessarily on a “Pass/Fail” grade scale. Instead, a poor inspection grade shifts the tide of leverage away from you to the buyer if they are still interested. You will need to make repairs if you have serious issues like a crumbling foundation, dangerous electrical wire, or plumbing problems.

Another outcome of a poor inspection grade is the renegotiation of the original asking price. You may have to sell your property for less than you were asking after a poor inspection. Finally, the buyer may back out instantly, resulting in a “No Sale.”

How Home Inspections Affect the Sale

Home inspections are necessary for a safe and fair deal between the buyer and the seller. With that being said, a home inspection can and will affect the sale. When a home inspector finds an issue that needs fixing before the sale, you may need to make repairs before your home is a viable option to buy. Conversely, conducting a pre-listing inspection may help expedite the sales process for you as well.

CONTACT DMC HOME INSPECTIONS WHEN SELLING YOUR HOME

Considering selling your home? Call on DMC Home Inspections! Our 150 points of thorough inspection will help you sell your house at an honest and fair price.

Schedule an inspection online or give us a call at 612-310-1692 today!