If you’re buying, selling, or refinancing a home, you’re probably going to have to go through a home inspection. This is an important part of the process of selling a home, and it may necessitate some preparation.
Here, we’re highlighting how to prepare for an inspection and the next steps after an inspection.
Preparing for an inspection
An inspector will look at the home’s structure and systems. This includes:
- HVAC
- Plumbing
- Electrical system
- Roof
- Foundation
- Walls
- Ceilings
- Windows
- Basement
- All other structural components
To prepare for an inspection, try to look for the things an inspector will look for. Make sure that interior doors are unlocked and that clutter is cleared away from everything they may need to see. Here are a few ways to prepare:
- Clear around the house. If you have landscaping, make sure that it is trimmed away from the house so that the inspector can get a good look at the siding, trim, and windows.
- Check for leaks. Look under sinks, around faucets, the dishwasher, refrigerator, and around your bathtub or shower.
- Check the roof. Clean out your gutters and make sure that downspouts are positioned properly and are functional.
- Gather receipts for maintenance, updates, and services done to your home. This can be an HVAC service, a chimney sweep, and any other maintenance.
What happens if problems are discovered in the inspection?
Inspections can uncover minor issues to major problems. Some of the more common issues include:
- Structural damage: The inspector may find cracks in the foundation, drainage issues in the basement or crawl space, or deteriorating brickwork. These issues can be costly and may be mandatory to fix in some states.
- Roof damage: An inspector will look for missing or broken shingles and other signs of damage.
- Chimney issues: The inspector will look for damage to the bricks, mortar, and flue. Fixes could range from a simple chimney sweep to a structural repair.
- HVAC issues: The inspector will make sure the ventilation and systems are working properly. They may find that you just need to get your ducts cleaned out or that your system isn’t functioning properly and needs to be replaced.
- Electrical hazards: If an inspector suspects problems with the electrical system, a buyer may ask for an electrician to inspect the home’s electric system to make sure that everything is up to code.
- Fire hazards: Most fire hazards are related to electrical problems, so your inspector will already be looking at this. They’ll also verify that the smoke & carbon monoxide detectors are working properly. Improperly functioning doors & windows can also be considered a fire hazard.
Next Steps After the inspection
After the inspection, the report will be sent to whoever paid for the inspection. So, what’s next after you receive the report?
1 – The buyer will review the report with their agent
The buyer’s agent will help the buyer go over the report and decide whether to buy the property, ask for repairs, or cancel the contract based on the inspection findings.
2 – List of repair requests may be sent to the seller
A buyer can typically take 2-3 days to review the home inspection report & ask the seller for repairs. The report will contain a list of suggested repairs & safety issues. It’s up to the buyer & buyer’s agent to determine which are reasonable requests for the seller to fix.
3 – Seller reviews and responds
The seller’s options to the buyer’s requests are: make the repairs, negotiate which repairs to do, or refuse to do any repairs.
4 – Buyer & seller make an agreement
Once the buyer & seller have come to terms with repairs, they will make any necessary updates to the agreement of sale.
5 – Sale moves forward
Once the inspection period is finalized, the sale will move onto the appraisal and closing stage. Lenders will require an appraisal to determine the current value of the property.
Work with the Right Agent
Rely on an agent to help you through the inspection process and the steps that come after. Team Melton has over 50 combined years of real estate experience to assist you through every step of the process. Contact us today to get started on selling your home!