Oct. 26, 2019

Column - April 2019

My House is FINALLY under Contract and The Buyer is having a Home Inspection!  What Do I Do?

First, Congratulations on your contract!  Second, all Buyers SHOULD have a home inspection.  Third, as a Seller – This is NOT a test!  Here are a few to do things:

1. Make sure that all utilities are on!  Gas?  Make sure that all pilot lights are working.
2. Repair/replace/install/clean:  lightbulbs, weather stripping, switch plates, door knobs, window locks (also any cracked or broken glass and/or screens), rain gutters and downspouts, chimney flue caps, add anti-siphon devices on the outside hose bibs.
3. Replace dirty HVAC filters.
4. Make sure that the inspector has access to all areas of the house!  Unlock, or remove items from in front of gates, electric panels, closets, attic doors and/or access ladders, sinks and bathtubs, ovens and cooktops, dishwasher, HVAC, water heater, and crawl spaces (for pier and beam homes).
5. Have GFCI devices for electrical receptacles in garages, bathrooms, kitchens and exterior areas (I see this on inspection reports all the time!).
6. Test (and replace batteries) of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
7. Trim tree limbs and shrubs away from the home and roof, and while you are at it, remove any wood or other debris away from the foundation.
8. Last thing to do is to remove your vehicles from the garage and/or driveway.  Give the inspector plenty of room to do his/her ‘thing’!

Remember, if you have been maintaining your home this is not something to stress over!

Call me today to help guide you on that first step in getting your home on the market – and you may be surprised at how you can fulfill your dream of selling your home!