Home Inspection Checklist for Sellers: 9 Tips for Success

By Mark Spain Real Estate

A Home Inspection is one of the last steps in a buyer’s purchase decision, and it is important to know the ins and outs of the process! This home inspection checklist will help sellers understand the home inspection process – and how to ace it with flying colors! 

Working with an experienced real estate partner like Mark Spain Real Estate prepares you well for the home inspection. With over 30 years of experience, we ensure you make informed decisions throughout your home-selling journey.  

The Home-Inspection Checklist for Sellers: 9 Tips for Success

Even though there are no “pass” or “fail” criteria for Home Inspections, it feels like failing when the inspector recommends thousands of dollars in repairs. As a seller, you might find yourself inspecting your home before the inspection, ensuring that everything is well-prepared. 

#1 Inspect the Exterior First

The exterior of your home is the first thing a potential homeowner sees when viewing your home. It is imperative that you tidy up the exterior – paying attention to the curb appeal. Before an inspection, ensure that: 

• The windows and door frames, stucco, and walls show no signs of decay or cracks.  
• Check for any significant cracks on the foundation. 

Painting your home’s exterior will also help–although it is not necessary. The Home Inspector will also monitor the caulking on the windows, siding, and trims–among other things. 

Before the inspection, clean the area around your home, including any plant growth and trash cans. 

#2 Evaluate the Roof and Attic

After the exterior, the most crucial element of the home inspection checklist on the buyer’s radar will be the roof and attic. The roof and attic are vital because they are an essential structural part of the home and protect it from external damage. 

Look out for missing, damaged, or curling shingles on the roof, which can signal a potential leak. Additionally, clean any debris and moss on the gutters and check for bends, rust, and proper downspout position. Examining the flashing, chimneys, and vents for signs of rust, deterioration, or improper sealing is a good idea–as it could lead to water intrusion. 

In the attic, check the ventilation and proper insulation–as these factors have a more significant impact on the moisture and energy efficiency of the house. The Home Inspector will look at visible leaks, water stains, and signs of pests. 

Ensuring the roof and attic are clean before the inspection will let you stay at ease. 

#3 Plumbing System Assessment

The Plumbing system of your home is another crucial aspect that the Home Inspector will pay close attention to. The Inspector will specifically look at water damage and signs of leaks. 

So, to ensure the inspection goes well, check for signs of water damage around the faucets, toilets, tubs, and other appliances that use water. 

#4 Examine the Electrical System

Fixing the electrical system is costly and can become hazardous if not fixed. That is why it is one of the dealbreakers for buyers. In 2021 alone, more than 24,000 residential building fires caused by electrical fires were reported to the United States Fire Departments, resulting in numerous deaths, injuries, and over $1.2 billion in property losses.

Hot outlets, flickering/dim lights, and sparks/buzzing can be early signs of an electrical malfunction. Get it fixed immediately. In addition to fixing these problems, you can take the following steps to ensure the Home Inspection goes as smoothly as possible: 

• Label Your Fusebox: Ensure the previous labels are correct and everything works fine. Add labels where needed. 
• Replace Your Lightbulbs: Before a Home Inspection, replace your light bulbs. If a bulb is out or there’s a problem with the wiring, it will be noted on the Home Inspection sheet as a possible defect. Also, if your home has older lightbulbs, cover them. These old lightbulbs can be a fire hazard. 

Even though catching problems with the wiring or replacing the lightbulbs is time-consuming, it will save you from future headaches and lost sales. 

#5 Review HVAC

One of the biggest hurdles that can impact your home sale after inspection is problems with your HVAC system. Before the inspection, ensure that the thermostat and air filters work well and that no funny odors come from your HVAC. Also, check for rust around your HVAC unit. 

#6 Declutter Your Home

A cluttered space in your home won’t directly affect the inspection, but it can affect the inspector’s ability to perform it. If the inspector cannot reach a place due to a ton of clutter, like in a closet, attic, or basement–that field in the inspection report will stay blank–leaving a negative impact on your inspection. 

So, declutter the following spaces in your home for easy access:

• Furnace Rooms
• Under the Sink
• Attics and Furnace Rooms
• Basements
• Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors 

#7 About Those Bathrooms

Signs of rust on the sink, slow or high flow of water, or problems with draining water are on the radar of the home inspectors. Like your HVAC, fixing bathroom issues beforehand saves you a lot of money. We recommend checking the following items and ensuring everything is in order before the inspection: 

• Exhaust Fans
• Metal Sinks: Ensure that there is no rust
• Water Flow 
• Toilet Flushes and Working Drains

Cleaning your bathroom before the inspection will also help create a good impression. 

#8 Windows, Doors, and Interior Rooms

The inspector will look for damaged screens, cracked windows, door and window joints, and any signs of decay or rot on the frames. 

Before the inspection, fix these problems and ensure the windows are cleaned and the locks function correctly. To go the extra mile, consider lubricating the windows and doors to make them easy to open and close by the inspector. 

#9 Your Kitchen

The inspector will check every appliance in your kitchen. In addition to appliances, they will inspect your sink and ensure a proper flow of water, leak-free pipes, and a decay-free/rot-free area beneath it. 

Before the inspection, you should consider repairing or replacing your appliances if they malfunction. 

Selling your home can be daunting, especially when it comes to inspections. Because these inspections significantly impact the sale of your home, having an experienced partner by your side is essential. 

When you partner with Mark Spain Real Estate, you get to use the expertise of a top real estate firm in the U.S. with over 12,000 five-star reviews! Learn more about our offers!