Selling a home is a big project. It means lots of decisions to make, the hassles of listing and showing your home, plus a move to plan. In the middle of all this, your home is going to be inspected. Buyers depend on home inspections in Philadelphia, PA, to give them objective insight into the condition of the home they are buying. This extra insight allows them to buy with confidence, but it’s also an invaluable tool in planning for their future in their new home.
A lot is riding on this inspection, and the last thing you want as a seller is for the deal to unravel because of the home inspection. If you aren’t prepared, a botched home inspection can delay closing, weaken your negotiating power, or even cost you the sale and force you to start the process all over again. The following tips will help you avoid the worst outcomes and present your home in the best possible light.
The urge to stick around for the inspection is understandable. After all, it’s still your home. But you need to leave and take your kids and pets with you. Inspectors and prospective buyers need the freedom and space to do what they need to do without interference. Home inspections typically take 2 hours, so plan accordingly.
The inspector is going to examine every inch of your home. They also want to collect as much information as possible to help the potential owner understand the home. Making this easy leaves a good impression. The following are examples of ways you can assist the inspector (without being present):
Almost nothing will derail the sale of a home faster than problems with the roof. If your roof is due for a replacement or is in bad shape, get out in front of that and be prepared to offer price concessions for the work that will need to be done. If that’s not the case, there are still some things you should do.
Home inspectors in Philadelphia know that a messy house isn’t equivalent to a damaged house, but there’s honestly something to be said for the good impression a tidy house makes. It’s not worth the risk; clean up and put your best foot forward. And don’t just clear the clutter and vacuum. Replace burnt-out light bulbs, install fresh batteries in some detectors, and put in a clean HVAC filter. Paying attention to these small details communicates to the inspector that you’ve taken careful care of your home.
If you have any questions about home inspections, call Eagle Inspections. We’re here to help home buyers and sellers navigate the inspection process smoothly. We offer a full range of inspection services, including electrical inspections, plumbing inspections, radon inspections, roofing inspections, and more. Call today.