Home Inspections: What Every Seller Should Know

Having a buyer make an acceptable offer on a home usually brings a big sigh of relief to most home sellers.  The seller is usually relieved that showings are over and feel like there's a light at the end of the tunnel.  However, having a contract on your home is only the first part of the home selling process.  Next up: The home inspection.

Because purchasing a home is one, if not the most, expensive purchase a person will ever make, most people will opt to have a home inspection.  The buyer will want to make sure the home is structurally and mechanically sound and does not have any hidden defects which would translate to high repairs bills in the future.

Most buyers will request a home inspection to be done within a few days of signing a contract.  The home inspection is done during the option period so that a buyer can renegotiate a contract (if necessary) to cover the costs of repairs or ask the seller to have the repairs done.  Because the results of the home inspection can make a difference in the price of your home and even, in some instances, whether or not you sell your home, you'll want to prepare for your inspection.

While there are times when a previously unknown major defect appears on the home inspection, there are several steps you can take to ensure your home is in tip-top shape for the big day. 

1.   Make sure all appliances are in working order.

     Turn on all your appliances beforehand, making sure they work properly. 

2.   Test smoke alarms and replace batteries if necessary.

3.   Clean your home both inside and out, leaving the interior and exterior free of debris and clutter.

4.   If you are no longer occupying the home, make sure electric, gas and water service is left on so the inspector
      can perform the necessary tests.

5.   Remove any hindrance to utility box, water and gas shut offs as well as entrance to the attic.

     The home inspector will need to get to all these things.  If there are barriers to any part of the house, it may prolong the inspection or even
     cause it to be rescheduled.

6.   Make any necessary repairs you're aware of before the inspection.

     It is best to make any repairs you can beforehand. Buyers will often over estimate the cost of repairs causing them to unknowingly request
      a credit or allowance that is actually much more than is necessary.     

On the day of the home inspection, make plans to be out of your house.  Home inspectors and buyers feel more comfortable looking at the home if the owners are not present.  Plan on being gone from your house anywhere from three to four hours.   

Preparing for a home inspection will make the process smoother for all parties involved and can help speed up the home selling process.  

Troy Trumm
Alliance Real Estate

Omaha, NE
http://www.trummteam.com/
Omaha Homes for Sale