During the pandemic, many homebuyers elected to forego a home inspection to give them a leg up in the home buying frenzy. Now however, the days of quick sales and cutting corners are behind us as we return to more ‘normal’ market conditions. Buyers are once again requesting home inspections to help ensure they are getting the most out of their money. So what does that mean for you as a seller, and how should you prepare? Let’s break it down!
Why is an Inspection Important?
First and foremost, why is an inspection important? Well, for buyers, it helps avoid unpleasant surprises down the road. Imagine purchasing a home only to discover that there’s a major issue with the foundation or the HVAC system. Not only would that be a headache to deal with, but it could also end up costing you a lot of money.
According to recent data, 95% of buyers are requesting home inspections and 67% of them end up requiring repairs. That’s a pretty significant number! As a seller, it’s important to recognize this and prepare accordingly. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
How Should I Prepare?
The good news is that 95% of sellers make repairs before listing their home. And that’s a smart move. Inspectors will be looking for things like HVAC/heating system issues, structural concerns like cracks in the foundation, plumbing or electrical problems, and the condition of the roof and exterior of the home. So it’s important to take care of these things before the inspector comes knocking.
The first step is to have your agent walk through your home and check for the most important updates or repairs you should focus on. They can help you identify any potential problem areas and advise you on what repairs are necessary, as well as which updates may help you get more money out of your home. This could include things like fixing leaky faucets, repairing cracks in the foundation, or even refinishing flooring
It’s also a good idea to tidy up and make sure everything is in working order. That means checking light fixtures, testing appliances, and making sure everything is clean and organized. This not only makes a good impression on the inspector, but it can also make your home more appealing to potential buyers.
The Takeaway
Remember, a home inspection isn’t meant to be a pass/fail test. Inspectors are simply looking for any potential issues that could affect the value of the home. If issues are found, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the sale will fall through. Instead, it’s an opportunity for both the buyer and seller to negotiate and come to an agreement on any necessary repairs or adjustments. By taking steps to prepare ahead of time, you’ll be better equipped to negotiate with buyers and ensure a smooth sale. So don’t be afraid to tackle those repairs and updates before putting your home on the market! Talk to your agent to get started!