Before the Inspection...Tips for Sellers

Before the Inspection...Tips for Sellers 
 
Congratulations! Your agent called with a buyer for your house!  Shortly after you accept their offer, the buyer will usually hire a professional Home Inspector.  The inspector won't care if your drapes match the carpet or if a breakfast bowl is left in the sink.   He's interested in structure and systems, not cosmetics.  A little preparation in advance of the inspection can help the inspector give your buyer a report that answers their questions-and thereby reinforces their decision to buy your home.  
 
I often introduce myself as one of the nosiest visitors you'll ever have.  A qualified home inspector will visually examine the structure, crawl space, attic, mechanical components, plumbing, electrical, and all interior rooms, as well as closets.  I need to flush toilets, run faucets, dishwashers, and air conditioners.  I look under bathroom sinks!   A visual inspection report does not pass or fail a house, but simply describes the house and points out good features as well as items in need of repair or replacement.  
 
You can help by having keys available to any locked doors or gates (don't forget the lock on the electrical panel), removing obstacles around water heaters and other appliances, removing items from closets that provide access to attics, and so on.  Be ready to indicate the location of components that may be concealed by landscape vegetation such as the water meter, main sewer cleanout, etc.  
 
Eliminate limitations on the inspection by clearing stored items or debris away from the house, making certain the entire perimeter of the house can be observed.  Don't forget the inspector will need access to the detached garage or guest house.  Move boxes and stored items away from interior walls.  Items stored in the attic should be removed or at least cleared away to allow safe access.
 
Inside, move fragile items away from windows.  Take pets to a friend or neighbor or lock them in a kennel.  
 
The Home Inspector may be one of the nosiest houseguests you'll ever have, but a little advance work will make the inspection experience more pleasant for you and more informative for your buyer.