TIPS ON HOW TO PREPARE FOR A SUCCESSFUL HOME INSPECTION

Tips on how a Listing Agent can prepare for a successful inspection:

TIP 1:  Talk with your seller about the advantages of having a "pre-listing" home inspection by a professional, state certified home inspector.  This can increase marketability of the home and eliminate unwanted surprises that may be discovered by the buyer's inspector (which could slow or terminate the real estate transaction.)

TIP 2:  If your seller is reluctant to have their home professionally inspected (because they don't want to spend the money), then encourage them to inspect their own house.

NOTE:  This should take place before the house is listed or shortly thereafter.

The following is a list of items that should be inspected:

OUTSIDE THE HOME:
1.  Examine the exterior siding and trim.
        A.  Fill any cracks or openings with caulk.
        B.  Prep and paint any areas that have peeling paint or exposed wood.
        C.  Trim away any vegetation that's in contact with the siding.

2.  Examine the perimeter foundation.
        A.  Fill any cracks with sealant.
        B.  Soil level should be at least 6" below the siding.
        C.  Slope of the ground should be away from the foundation.

3.  Examine the roof and roof drainage system.
        A.  Replace any missing or damaged shingles or shakes.
        B.  Remove any moss and tree debris from the roof.
        C.  Remove leaves and tree debris from gutters.
        D.  Repair or replace any damaged gutters or downspouts.

4.  Examine any attached decks and porches.
        A.  Remove any earth-to-wood contact.
        B.  Secure any loose handrails.
        C.  Replace any rotted wood with structurally sound wood.

INSIDE THE HOME:
1.  Examine and test all bathroom plumbing fixtures (including toilets, sinks, tubs and showers.)
        A.  Repair any damaged or defective fixtures.
        B.  Repair any leaks or drips.
        C.  Caulk any areas that have missing or separated caulk.

2.  Examine and test all GFCI outlets.
        A.  Replace if defective.
        B.  All bathroom and kitchen sink outlets should be GFCI protected.

3.  Examine and test all smoke detectors.
        A.  Replace if defective.
        B.  The house should have at least one detector on each level.
        C.  Detectors are required to have "hush" buttons, and, if not hard-wired, a 10-year battery.

4.  Examine and test all windows.
        A.  Replace any cracked or broken panes.
        B.  Repair any non-operational windows (for egress purposes.)

5.  Examine the furnace filter.
        A.  Replace if dirty.

NOTE:  If the furnace hasn't been cleaned or serviced within a couple of years, have it professionally serviced.

INSIDE THE CRAWLSPACE:
1.  Examine the crawlspace.
        A.  The floor should be completely covered with a black plastic vapor barrier.
        B.  Remove any cellulose debris on crawlspace floor, including lumber, wood scraps and cardboard.
        C.  Repair any plumbing leaks.

TIP 3:  Have your seller do any necessary repairs or have your seller hire someone qualified to do those repairs.
NOTE:  This should take place before the buyer's inspection.

TIP 4:  If the house is vacant, verify that all of the utilities are turned on.  This includes water, electricity and gas.

TIP 5:  Verify that any lockbox required for entry to the home is programmed to open at the time of the inspection.

TIP 6:  If the house is occupied, communicate to your seller that the inspector will need unobstructed access to the attic, crawlspace, furnace, water heater and electric service panel.

TIP 7:  Do not attend the inspection.  It is also preferable that your seller is not present during the inspection.  Your absence can help create a more comfortable environment for the buyer, buyer's agent and inspector.

TIP 8:  Prepare your seller for the fact that the buyer's inspector most likely is going to find some items that warrant attention or repair.  This is normal, so your seller shouldn't take it personally.

TIP 9:  If after the inspection the prospective buyer is dissatisfied with the inspection results (i.e., some unpleasant surprises are discovered by the inspector), let your seller know that it's okay.  That it's typical for buyer/seller negotiations to take place after the inspection (in the form of an addendum to the original sales agreement.)

Tips on how a Buyer's agent can prepare for a successful home inspection:

TIP 1:  Have you or your buyer arrange for a professional home inspection with a state certified home inspector.  The inspector should have E&O insurance.  Personal referrals are the best.

TIP 2:  If your buyer is reluctant to have an inspection (because they don't want to spend the money), attempt to persuade them to have one (that it will be money well spent.)

TIP 3:  Verify with the listing agent that any lockbox require for entry to the home is programmed to open at the time of the inspection.

TIP 4:  If the house is vacant, also verify with the listing agent that all of the utilities are turned on.  This includes the water, electricity and gas.

TIP 5:  If the house is occupied, communicate to the listing agent that the inspector will need unobstructed access to any attic, crawlspace, furnace, water heater and electric service panel.

TIP 6:  Have both you and your buyer attend the inspection.  If your buyer can't or doesn't want to attend the entire inspection, encourage them to at least come at the end of the inspection.  That way the inspector can discuss the inspection report with both of you, point out, if necessary, any items that might warrant attention or repair, and answer any question that you may have.

TIP 7:  Before or during the inspection prepare your buyer for that fact that the house isn't going to be in perfect condition.  Even brand new construction homes are rarely perfect.  Let your buyer know that the inspector is most likely going to find items that warrant attention or repair.  That is normal.

TIP 8:  If after the inspection your buyer is dissatisfied with the inspection results (i.e., there are some unpleasant surprises discovered by the inspector), let your buyer know that it's okay.  That buyer requests or negotiations can take place with the seller in the form of an addendum to the original sales agreement.

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