When you are selling your home, it’s common to get a little nervous when it’s time for the inspection phase of the sales process. After all, you’ve heard the horror stories and know that the inspection report can be a deal-breaker for potential buyers. Will your home pass through successfully, or will there be problems that scare off the buyers?

Keep reading for five of the most vital home inspection tips you can use to navigate the home inspection process successfully.

#1: Choose a Real Estate Agent You Can Trust

Choosing the right real estate agent will help you maximize the entire home selling process, including the inspection. Your real estate agent will help you prepare your home for inspection and guide you through the post-inspection negotiation process.

When you are selecting your real estate agent, ask them if they have the following skills and inspection-related services:

  • A thorough understanding of the property maintenance issues common in your specific area, such as improper electrical wiring in historic neighborhoods or water leaks in areas where most homes have basements.
  • The ability to create a plan of action for repair requests—whether you want to fix the issues yourself or hire professionals for the job.
  • In-depth knowledge of the local real estate market to help you understand how much leverage you possess as a seller and whether it is a buyer’s market or a seller’s market.
  • The ability to help you differentiate between major and minor inspection findings and which issues pose a safety threat and require repair.

#2: Give the Inspector Space and Time to Do Their Job

While you will be ready for the inspection to be over, it’s never a good idea to rush the home inspector. Plan on at least a 2-4 hour-long inspection for an average-sized home. It may take longer if the property is an older home or has additional features such as an attic or pool. It’s better for the homeowner to leave the property during the inspection, although the buyer and buyer’s agent will typically be present.

#3: Ensure the Home Is in Operational Condition

If you have already moved off the property or it is vacant, ensure all utilities are on and any remote controls for lights and ceiling fans are accessible. The home inspector will need to assess all appliances and features to make sure they function properly.

#4: Declutter the Property to Provide the Inspector with Clear Access

Clear the home of any clutter that may prevent the inspector from having easy and clear access to anything they need to inspect. Remove any stacked boxes and storage items that could get in the inspector’s way.

#5: Consider a Pre-Inspection Before Listing the Home

A pre-inspection with a qualified home inspector can ease your mind. The inspection can ensure there are no surprises when your potential buyers schedule the inspection.

Choose Classic City Home Inspection for a Professional Process

Our expert home inspectors at Classic City Home Inspection will help you identify all the minor and major inspection issues that will crop up during the home inspection process. Catching these issues now will give you time to make the necessary repairs. Then you can breeze through the inspection process and onto a successful sale of your home.

Connect with Classic City Home Inspection to get more home inspection tips for sellers or schedule a pre-inspection appointment.