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Preparing for a pre listing Inspection

What should I do before a home inspection?

Aside from hiring an inspector and showing up at the property on time, sellers don’t have to do anything special to get ready for the inspection. On the other hand, there are quite a few things a seller can and should do to facilitate the home inspection. 

Some major things include:

  • Cleaning the house. A spotless house is not only easier to navigate but also leaves a great impression on potential buyers and prevents unexpected problems. The last thing you want is for a deal to fall through because the buyer thinks you haven’t been cleaning the house regularly.
  • Leaving the utilities connected. Certified home inspectors leave no rock unturned. They will run the dishwasher, turn on the stove, test the air conditioning and the furnace, and more. If these utilities are disconnected, the inspector may be forced to reschedule. 
  • Declutter. Remove items that may make it difficult to navigate the house or limit access to the furnace, water heater, or air conditioner. The inspector will need 3-4 feet of working space in order to examine these items, so keep that in mind while decluttering. 
  • Make sure all lighting has good working bulbs
  • Clear access to Electrical Panel, crawlspace, and Furnace
  • Owner belongings are protected from attic access debris
  • Provide paperwork for any service or repairs

Does the seller have to disclose the previous inspections?

Federal law requires sellers to disclose the presence of any known lead-based paints in the home, provide the buyer with an EPA-published pamphlet on lead-based paint, and get and keep a signed statement from the buyer saying that these disclosure requirements were completed.

Aside from that, there are no nationwide laws on what exactly the seller is required to disclose. Since every state has its own regulations, your best course of action is to consult your home inspection company of choice. 

Common disclosures include:

  • Mold infestations and water damage. In addition to being upfront about crawlspace floods or leaks in the roof, the seller must also notify the buyer about what (if anything) was done to remedy these problems. 
  • Pest infestations. The presence of rats, cockroaches, and especially termites and carpenter ants can be a serious problem and needs to be disclosed. As with water damage, the buyers also have to be told about any measures that were taken to remedy the issue.
  • Insurance claims and major repairs are other things the buyers need to know about. This includes repairs performed by previous owners.