Home Seller Tips: Getting Ready For Home Inspection

Get Ready For Your Home Inspection:
One of the most important things you can do when you sell
your home is be prepared for your home inspection. Use the checklist
below to see what you can do to get ready.

Southern Maryland Home Search Brought to You by Michele Rockhill of Long and Foster Real Estate

Tips For Home Sellers: Getting Ready For Home Inspection

Make sure all interior and exterior light fixtures work.
Provide access to the furnace, water heater and electric panel.
Install a new furnace filter. It will be looked at during the inspection and be considered as part of the overall condition of the furnace or the heat pump.
Ensure all windows operate smoothly. If some are stuck or painted shut, the impression will be that many windows cannot open.
Replace all damaged window screens.
Tighten all doorknobs and tighten or repair all handrails, also check to be sure all interior doors will latch to the strike plate.
Make sure the attic is accessible, the inspector will enter the attic
Be sure that there is a minimum of one smoke detector per floor and that it is in proper working condition
Provide keys, or unlock sheds and all outside buildings.
Divert all water away from the house, i.e. down spouts, sump pump, condensation drain, etc.
Remove grade or mulch from contact with siding, preferably 6 or more inches of clearance.
Proper grading recommended at the house including under decks/porches. Grade should slope away from structure.
Remove rotting wood/firewood from contact with the house.
Clean out dirty gutters or debris from the roof.
Clean out basement entry drains.
Where windows are at below grade, install window wells and covers.
Remove grade from contact of foundation vents.
Make sure all plumbing fixtures are in proper working order with no leaks.
Check that toilets are secure to the floor.
Check that bath vents are properly vented to the outside.
Install GFCI receptacles near all water sources; check present GFCI receptacles for proper operation.
Check sump pump for proper operation.
Check that crawlspace is dry and install a proper vapor barrier.
Remove any visible moisture from crawlspace, moisture should be below 18%.
Remove paint, solvents, gas, etc. from crawlspace, basement, attic, porch, etc.
If the house is vacant make sure all utilities are turned on.
Don’t do quick cheap repairs, this will clue in an inspector that amateur work has been done and will make him/her look closer at the house.

Home - Up - Agent Advertising - Agent Duties - Agents Role - Behind the Scenes
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What Will My Agent Do For Me - How Will My Agent Earn Their Commission - Exterior Touch-Ups
Home Inspection - Home Seller Tips - Interior Touch-Ups - Internet Advertising
Why You Shouldn't Be Home - Meeting Real Estate Agents - Multiple Listing Service
Are Commissions Negotiable - Agent Open Houses

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