When you are selling your home, an important part of it is the home inspection. Many homeowners prepare for this inspection by getting the house in tip-top shape to produce the best outcome. Buyers and their mortgage lenders will want to find out if there are any hidden dangers in the house that you may not be declaring or even know about before they purchase the property. An inspection is a thorough examination of the property and the structure to uncover any damage or issues. In many cases, a sale is contingent on a home inspection. To get ready for this event, take a look at these tips to help you prepare for a home inspection.
Walk around your home and note down any issues that you can visibly see. You will want to take care of these first, and then move onto the larger issues that could cost you more time and money. It's best to fix anything now before it comes up during the inspection.
Even a small roof leak can let water and light into your attic, ceilings, and walls. This can then cause water damage and introduce pests into your property. The long-term exposure of moisture can cause structural damage to the roof and attic. Be sure to inspect the interior of the roof and exterior, making repairs as necessary. If there are any cracked or missing shingles, replace them now.
If your home's wiring is faulty, then you may not want to replace the entire system before you move out. After all, it can be expensive and time-consuming. However, you will want to ensure that the wiring is as safe as can be before the home inspection. Now is the time to fix flickering lights, loose plugs, and old outlets. If you have any doubts, have your home's electrical system inspected by the professionals. A qualified electrician will be able to advise you on the best steps to take to make the wiring safe, and it will avoid you trying to complete dangerous tasks yourself.
Although you may not want to deal with structural issues now, it is best you address them rather than the potential buyer as they could ask for thousands off the asking price. Structural issues can lead to huge hassles down the road. Some things to look for are major cracks or flaws in the foundation, sloping floors, doors and windows that don't close properly, and faulty siding. A professional will be able to take a look and address structural issues, so be sure to do this sooner rather than later.
Now that you've addressed the necessary repairs, it's time to make sure the rest of your home is ready. Here are a few must-know tips to help.
Remove the clutter in your home to make the inspector's job easier and safer. Not only does it mean he or she can do their job easier and quicker, but it presents your home in a good light. A clean and fresh house indicates that you have taken good care of the property, which also tells the inspector that you have maintained it to a high standard.
As with anything involving real estate, there is a great deal of paperwork to sift through. Provide a file of documents that shows what kind of repairs, maintenance, and improvements you've done on your home throughout the years. This helps the inspector see what has and has not been replaced or tended to recently. Make sure to include any paperwork for insurance claims you might have had on your home.
If you've already moved out of the property, it's important that you leave utilities and lights on for the inspector. He or she will not be able to test the electricity, water, stove, HVAC, and other appliances without these utilities.
Now that you know how to prepare your home for an inspection, it's time to call the professionals at Jack Stone Insurance Agency. Our team can help you accurately secure the right homeowners insurance in Hudson and beyond. Contact us today to get started before listing your home for sale.
