Tag: home buyer

Even in a seller’s market here in Orange County, it is a good idea to prepare the home inspection. It will make for a smoother transaction by removing any potential roadblocks or hiccups on the way to close of escrow. Preparing can give you peace of mind, and put your buyer’s mind at ease, too. They will view your home as in good shape and in good repair, adding value in their mind. It could even increase the amount buyers are willing to pay for your property.

Here are a few things you, as the seller, can do to prepare for a home inspection:

Exterior

• Clean debris from gutters and drains
• Re-caulk around exterior windows & doors
• Repair damaged masonry on walkways & steps
• Repair minor defect in exterior wall materials
• Replace damaged and missing shingles
• Seal driveway cracks

Interior

• Repair leaking faucets and fixtures
• Repair cracked and broken window panes
• Have a professional electrician inspect receptacle & switches, then make necessary repairs
• Re-caulk around bathtubs & sinks
• Arrange service for your HVAC
• Replace batteries in smoke & carbon monoxide detectors
• Loosen any windows that are hard to open and close

Inspection Day

• Clear entrance to storage sheds, attic, crawl spaces, basement, and garage. Clear paths of debris.
• If the buyer will be present, then be away from the house for the duration of the inspection.
• Keep pets in a safe location or remove them from the property if necessary.
• Move objects away from water heater, furnace and air conditioner.
• Provide all keys for any locked doors.

Disclosures

• Disclose past fires, floods and major repair work.
• Provide building permits or plans for any major renovations.
• Provide invoices & warranties for major improvements like roofs, furnaces, and appliances.

This is not all-inclusive nor do you HAVE to do any of these items (possible exception of making sure your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are in working order). However, these items usually come up on home inspections, and buyers usually have questions about them and may ask that they be repaired/addressed prior to close of escrow.

Even if you don’t address any of these items, maybe inspect your home for yourself ahead of time so you know where you stand in regard to repairs.