When selling your home, there are many potential roadblocks that can derail a deal. A few common hurdles that may need to be overcome during a real estate transaction include a home inspection, financing contingency and/or loan approval, and a home appraisal. Of course, during the heated seller’s market in 2021, we saw many buyer’s foregoing their home inspections in effort to make their offers stronger. Needless to say, this is not an advisable practice for home buyers. So what should you expect from a home inspection as a seller?
Tips for the home inspection
As a seller, it is important to have an open mind about a home inspection and that all homes will have inspection related issues at one time or another. As always, the more prepared you are, the more likely the outcome will not derail the deal.
- Choose a qualified inspector. The buyer will likely hire a home inspector, but you can also choose to have your own inspection done before listing your home. This will give you an idea of any potential problems and allow you to fix them before the buyer’s inspection. This can alleviate any major concerns that could potentially arise during the buyer’s home inspection.
- Be present for the inspection. You don’t have to be present for the entire inspection, but it’s a good idea to be there for some of the time if you can. This will allow you to ask questions and learn more about the inspector’s findings.
- Be prepared to answer questions. The inspector will likely have questions about the home’s history and maintenance. Be prepared to answer these questions honestly.
- Be cooperative. The inspector needs to be able to access all areas of the home. Be cooperative and allow them to do their job.
- Don’t take it personal. It is not uncommon for seller’s to become defensive when it comes to home inspection findings. As stated above, every home will have some issues at any given time. It is important to have an open mind and be willing to cooperate.
What to expect during the home inspection
- Depending on the size of the home, a home inspection may likely take several hours. For larger homes, there may even be two inspectors working simultaneously. As a seller, it is not necessary to be present for the entire inspection. However, it may be a good idea to present for some of the time in order to answer any questions or learn about the findings.
- The inspector will start by reviewing the home’s exterior. They will check for things like cracks in the foundation, missing or damaged siding, and loose roofing shingles.
- The inspector will then move inside the home and inspect the major systems. This includes the electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and structural systems.
- The inspector will also check the home’s interior for things like water damage, mold, and pests.
- Lastly, the inspector will end the inspection by writing a report that details their findings. Depending on the size of the home and the inspector’s workload, it may take several days for the report to be generated.
Summary
As with any aspect of the home selling process, the more prepared you are as a seller, the more likely it is that you will have a smooth transaction. In addition to ensuring that your home is in great condition prior to the buyer’s home inspection, it is also a good idea to check with your city’s local building department to ensure that there are no open permits on your property. If there are, you will want to make sure to have these permits closed out prior to closing.
As always, hiring a local and knowledgeable real estate agent will be critical to ensuring a smooth home selling process. Are you looking to sell your home in the South Florida area? We can help! Contact Natasha at Live South Florida Realty, Inc. today! Also, don’t forget to download the free Florida Home Search app for your mobile device.
