Before you get a home inspection

Preparing For a Home Inspection

This article will inform home buyers, home sellers, and Real Estate Professionals how to prepare for a home inspection.

Click on the appropriate link to find out how you should prepare for a home inspection.

Buyers

  • Make sure you have permission from the owner/agent to perform the inspection
  • Make sure the utilities will still be on at the time of the inspection.(Electricity, water and gas)
  • Make sure the Seller has had a chance to read the Sellers preparatory guide.
  • Try to attend the inspection, as the educational value alone is worth the price.
  • Bring a snack/lunch and drink, as some inspections can be lengthy.
  • Wear comfortable clothes and shoes that could get dirty.
  • Remember your reading glasses
  • Remember your checkbook.
  • Bring a notepad.
  • Do not bring children under five years old. They cannot handle it. (And neither can I.)
  • Obtain and bring along a copy of the Sellers disclosure statement, and any previous inspections, termite reports, repair invoices, etc. that you are privy to.
  • Prepare a list of questions ahead of time to help me understand your concerns.
  • Depending upon the size, age and complexity of the house, inspection times can run from 3 hrs. (new clean slab house) to 8+ hrs (older, larger crawlspace house). The more problems there are, the longer it takes. It is important to me that you understand, so feel free to ask as many questions as you wish.

Sellers

  • Be sure to provide easy access to all electrical panels.
  • Be sure to provide easy access to all plumbing panels.
  • Be sure to provide easy access to all attic access areas (move clothes from closets under openings to avoid insulation spills, clear a path through holiday decorations in attic, etc.).
  • Leave all warranty and service literature on the kitchen table.
  • Provide copies of repair invoices if available.
  • Leave a copy of your disclosure statement or click here for Sellers Information Sheet and fill it out.
  • Leave special instructions regarding pets.
  • Leave special instructions regarding house idiosyncrasies (alarms, yard lights, etc.)
  • Please notify me if the house has been treated with chemicals for any reason.
  • Please leave kitchen sink free of dishes.

 

Real Estate Professionals

Buyers Brokers:

  • You have already distinguished yourself as a fiduciary agent loyal to the buyer, and putting the Buyers needs above all else. Please read through the buyer's section and encourage your client to do likewise. Your help in these matters will facilitate their purchasing process.
  • Attend your client's home inspection and consider it part of your continuing ed. Distinguish yourself from your competition as a salesperson who is knowledgeable about the product you are selling.

Listing agents:

  • Protect your sellers and yourselves by encouraging a pre listing inspection to ensure full disclosure.
  • Bring this seller preparatory list to their attention, to facilitate and expedite the inspection process.
  • Attend your client's home inspection and consider it part of your continuing ed. Distinguish yourself from your competition as a salesperson who is knowledgeable about the product you are selling.

Transaction agents:

  • You earn your commissions by facilitating the deal. Use these guidelines as a roadmap to understand how you can expedite the home inspection process.

Lenders, Title agents, Appraisers:

  • If you know that your client is planing on participating in a home inspection, be sure to pass this information on to them, or encourage them to click onto www.homeinspect.com. They'll thank you for it.