IMPRESS POTENTIAL BUYERS AND THE HOME INSPECTOR

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure ~ Benjamin Franklin

Today’s buyers have a lot of homes to choose from and they are being very discerning about the home that they ultimately purchase.  This comprehensive list will aid you in understanding items that are noticed by buyers when they view your home.  It will also help you understand what is checked for in the home inspection process. 

Careful examination and repair of the items on this list prior to listing your home with a REALTOR® will aid you in selling quicker, for a higher price and eliminate last minute problems, repairs and expenses.  It is recommended that all repairs be done by a licensed/insured home contractor.

EXTERIOR:

Give your home “curb appeal” and clean up the outside of your home (from the curb to the edge of the backyard!  A home that is well maintained on the outside is a good invitation for potential buyers to visit the inside of your home!  You never get a second chance to make a first impression ~ Will Rogers

1. Trim trees, bushes and vegetation back from foundation, roof, siding, chimneys, air conditioning and heat pump units.
2. Check condition of landscape components (retaining walls, landscape timbers, etc).
3. Remove mulch or grading near siding and foundation vents. 
4. Check condition of wood in direct contact with soil, including fences and gates.
5. Remove any fire wood, rotting wood or debris that is near your home.
6. Check that landscape lighting/irrigation systems work.
7. Check that ponds, fountains, and waterfalls, and related utilities, work properly.
8. Check for loose/missing/rusted guardrails and handrails at stairways, decks, balconies and porches.
9. Check that any exterior outlets are weatherproofed and not in permanent use for any landscape lighting.
10. Check for loose wiring (electric, cable, phone) and poor wire terminations.
11. Check for holes and damage to siding, doors, windows, and trim.
12. Clean all debris off roof and clean out dirty gutters and basement entrances.
13. Caulk around doors, windows, siding, porches and any other place there is cracking or settlement or a hole around an entrance pipe or vent.  Do a neat job; poor workmanship will cause concern from buyers.
14. Sand and paint areas of wood that are chipping or blistering.
15. Point up failing mortar joints in bricks or chimney.
16. Check your grading, downspouts and water splash pans for proper water run off from house.  Keeping the water away from your home will avoid foundation moisture problems.
17. Repair cracks in sidewalks and seal driveways.
18. Check on your roof for flashing and gaskets deterioration around vent pipes, chimney and make sure a chimney cap is in place. 
19. Check for loose/damaged/lifted shingles.
20. Check attic ventilation and condition of vent screens.
21. Check all entrances for safety problems.
22. Check that doorbells work.
23. Replace missing siding, attic vents or other missing items.
24. Check for trip hazards in walkways, driveways, and stairways (deterioration, vegetation, etc.).

INTERIOR

1. Replace all burned out light bulbs.
2. Remove all paints, gas, solvents, etc. from crawl space, basement and attic.
3. Make all areas accessible for inspection including attic, basement, crawl space, heat and air conditioning units, garage foundation walls where possible and under steps.  This is the perfect time to dispose, donate or have a yard sale of those unwanted/unused items in storage areas.
4. Clean out your wood stove or fireplace and have that chimney or flue cleaned by a chimney sweep professional.
5. Clean, vacuum dirt, dust, etc. from furnace, water heater, appliances and other units.
6. Check condition of towel holders and bathroom tissue holders.
7. Check condition of bathtubs, showers, and shower doors, and replace old shower curtains. 
8. Check for loose kitchen and bathroom countertops.
9. Check for damage to walls and ceilings that need to be patched and painted.
10. Check for moisture stains on ceilings and walls; around doors and windows; near sinks, toilets, bathtubs, and showers and near the dishwasher.
11. Check for loose, broken or missing baseboards and door and window moldings.
12. Check for cracked tiles or deteriorated grouting in kitchen and bathrooms.
13. In the kitchen, clean ovens, dishwashers, refrigerators and other appliances that will be left for the new buyer.  Get appliances serviced and keep the paperwork to show the new buyers.
14. Check that kitchen appliances work.
15. Check that filters are in place and clean (range hood, heating/cooling, bathroom fans, etc.)
16. Check/clean/replace the filter on your heating/cooling system (should be done monthly).
17. Check/clean/replace the filter on your whole house humidifier.
18. Check for soot, cobwebs, and wildlife in the fireplace and lower areas of the chimney.
19. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) recommends that the fireplace and chimney undergo a Level II inspection any time real estate ownership is transferred, and I recommend having that done prior to the Buyer's inspection.
20. Check that the fireplace damper opens/closes easily.

PLUMBING SYSTEM (Including kitchens/baths/laundry areas):

1. Check that stoppers work in bathtubs and sinks.
2. Check for clogged drains.
3. Check that faucets don't drip or leak around the base.
4. Check stop action on faucet handles.
5. Check condition of caulk or grout in bathtubs, showers, shower enclosures, sinks (including kitchen).
6. Check insulation on water pipes in foundation crawl space and attic.
7. Check for safe and easy access to water shutoff valves (water heater, sinks, toilets, etc.).
8. In bathrooms, replace old and discolored caulking around tub, shower and sink areas.  Do a professional job.
9. Check the bath vents and fans for proper working condition and ventilation.
10. Tighten the toilet to the floor and check for leaks and cracks in toilet and tank areas.  Repair or replace tank filling and flushing systems if needed.
11. Check for leaks in plumbing, under your sinks and all visible connections.
12. Make sure the drains are running smoothly and the fixtures are not leaking.
13. Make sure all drains have stoppers.
14. Check your sump pump for proper operation and make sure the well is clean and the cover is installed.  Eliminate any odors.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1. Check for safe and easy access to electric panels and main circuit breaker.
2. Check that ceiling fans work on all speeds.
3. Check for burned out lights, including ceiling fans.
4. Check for damaged or loose outlets and light switches, including covers for outlets and switches.
5. Check for loose wiring (electric, cable, phone) and poor wire terminations.
6. Check that appliances are plugged in and operating.
7. Unplug anything that is unnecessary to facilitate outlet testing by the Buyer's property inspector.
8. Remove extension cords and outlet multipliers.
9. Check that outlets work.
10. Install GFCI receptacles near all appropriate areas, kitchens and bathrooms.  Check existing GFCI receptacles for proper operation.
11. Check for outdated two-prong outlets and upgrade them to three-prong outlets.
12. Check that exhaust fans work in kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry area.
13. Check that any electrical junction boxes have covers.
14. Have your furnace, air conditioner and heat pumps serviced or placed on a service contract.  This is a great selling point and peace of mind for you and your buyer.
15. Replace the filter in the furnace and any other air cleaning units.
16. Replace all burned out light bulbs.
17. Test all smoke detectors and install CO detectors if needed.  (Check code in your area).

DOORS AND WINDOWS

1. Check ease of operation for doors (including closet doors and cabinet doors), drawers, and windows, including windows/doors nailed or painted shut.
2. Check for missing, loose, or damaged hardware on doors (including closet doors and cabinet doors), drawers (stops and guides), and windows.
3. Check for loose glass panes in windows and doors, as well as glass with holes or cracks in them.
4. Check for condensation in the windows (foggy or containing moisture).
5. Check that latches/locks work on doors (including closet doors and cabinet doors), drawers, and windows.
6. Check for damage to screen windows.
7. Make sure all the doors, windows and sliding entrances are in good working condition.  Clean the tracks and thresholds.
8. Repair or replace any missing or torn screens or broken windows. 

MOISTURE ISSUES:

1. Moisture in the home is a primary reason for buyers not to purchase your home.
2. Moisture causes wood rot leading to structural damage.
3. Moisture in foundation causes foundations to fail and severe structural damage.
4. Moisture at the bottom of door jams, window sills, garage doors, entrances and exit areas should be corrected.
5. Moisture from cracks in foundation should be corrected by finding the source and fixing the problem.  Patch up all cracks in the foundation walls and floor.  Water proofing companies can inject sealants in many cracks eliminating water intrusion.
6. Moisture causes mold and mildew which cause allergies and asthma problems for many.  Black mold can cause serious illness.  Eliminate all signs of mold and mildew by eliminating the moisture source and installing proper ventilation. 

MISCELLANEOUS:

1. Pets (dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, etc) should be caged or removed from the home (family, neighbor, friend, pet spa) during showings and the home inspection.  Many people have allergies or phobias of pets. 
2. Neutralize pet odors and air out the home prior to listing it for sale.  These odors can trigger allergy and asthma attacks.  FACT: pet odors are a major cause for a buyer to not consider the purchase of your home. 
3. Be aware of product failures that may be present in your home such as aluminum wiring, polybutylene pipes, EIFS (synthetic Stucco), etc.  If these items are present, you should consider consulting a licensed contractor for a price quote and repair of these items prior to listing or selling your home. 
4. Certain items should be inspected annually due to their inherently dangerous nature. These include gas-using appliances, pool/spa equipment, roof, and the fireplace and chimney. If they have not been inspected within the last 12 months, having it done now can make escrow go more smoothly.
5. Check for manufacturer installation guides, operating instructions, or user guides that you can provide to the buyer, especially for kitchen appliances; heating and cooling system; water heater; security, irrigation, fire suppression, central cleaning, and water modification systems; water well; and septic system.
6. Many property inspectors exclude inspection and testing of some specialized systems, such as security and irrigation systems. Once you get the Buyer's inspection report, note what the Inspector did and did not do or could and could not do. Offer to meet with the Buyer to demonstrate how those systems are operated and maintained, and provide the contact information for any companies that regularly service the systems.
7. Check for receipts and warranty papers for any work done on the property, particularly for inspections and work done to prepare the property for sale.
8. VACANT HOMES:  be sure all utilities are turned on:  water, electric, water heater, furnace, air conditioning, breakers in main panel.