Davidson Realty, Inc.

Five steps to prepare for your home inspection

August 22, 2019

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Posted by in News

If you have ever sold a house, you know the inspection is an important step to assess the condition of your home. As the homeowner, there are several measures you can take to ensure your home is ready for the home inspector and help you receive high marks on the inspection report.

1.) Make access easy. First and foremost, ensure the home inspector can conveniently access all areas throughout the property. This might include access to an attic, crawl spaces, garage, furnace room, under sinks and storage spaces. If they can’t get to an area of the home, then they can’t inspect it, which could turn into a red flag for buyers.

 

2.) Start where they typically do—outside. Check your home’s perimeter for structural issues, water damage, cracks, leaks, bug infestations, missing weather stripping, broken locks and so on. Be sure to check the roof, siding, gutters, eaves, windows and doors, as well as the A/C compressor area and outbuildings.

 

3.) Check out the appliances. Walk through your home and check everything with an “on” switch that will stay in the home. This might include thestove, oven, refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, washer and dryer, and will likely include the water heater, electric fireplace, water softener and other affixed “real property” items. Head to the bathrooms and ensure faucets and showers run properly and the toilets flush.

 

Then look up! Beyond the appliances, be sure to check your light fixtures and ceiling fans, ensuring all are working properly and bulbs are replaced, and vents are open with a clear flow of air through the ducts.

 

4.) Clean and de-clutter. While superficial aspects of the home may seem minor, like it or not, a dirty home leaves a poor impression. Presenting a clean and uncluttered home sends the message that you care about your surroundings and take care of your space. Be sure your washer, dryer, dishwasher and kitchen sink are all empty ahead of the inspection.

 

5.) Make the process easy for the inspector. Plan to leave your home early prior to the inspection and take your pets with you. Leave anything they might need on the kitchen counter. This includes remote controls (garage door, ceiling fans), keys (gates, outbuildings), instructions for finding the well/septic tank and relevant paperwork listing your repairs and insurance claims on the home (this helps you prove you’ve taken good care of the house). Finally, be sure your pilot light for gas-fired appliances is turned on.

 

Completing a few steps ahead of a home inspection helps to make the process easier and faster with results that benefit you in the end.

 

It is also important that your real estate agent has established relations with home inspection companies. Over the years I have cultivated great relationships with home inspectors throughout Northeast Florida. Contact me today to learn more atmbarzaga@davidsonrealtyinc.comor (904) 501-1830.

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About the Author
Mirtha Barzaga

For more than a decade, Mirtha Barzaga has consistently stood as a fixture in Northeast Florida real estate. She is recognized as a top contributing agent for Davidson Realty, Inc., specializing in homes throughout Jacksonville, St. Augustine and World Golf Village. She has earned recognition as Davidson's Top Sales Agent of the Year, Top Producing Agent of the Year, and Top Listing Agent of the Year. Mirtha is a trusted guide for clients throughout the buying and selling process, boasting designations as a Certified Negotiation Expert, Certified Distressed Property Expert and Nocatee Certified Agent. As a bilingual Realtor, Mirtha is pleased to assist Davidson’s Spanish-speaking clients. Learn more about Mirtha and see her listings by visiting her agent page or check out Mirtha's website BarzagaSells.com.

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