David R. Leopold, owner of Pillar to Post Home Inspection in Fairfield
County, Conn., says home sellers and their real estate professionals have an
important role in preparing for a home inspection to help ensure it goes
smoothly. Leopold offers up some of the following tips in a recent article in
RISMedia, including:
1. Don’t hide what isn’t working: If an appliance isn’t
working, leave a note that indicates what isn’t working and how you’re getting
it fixed. Don’t try to conceal defects because it can make the inspector start
to view you as dishonest and wonder what else you’re hiding.
2. Make things accessible: Ensure the location of the attic
and crawlspace are identified and easy to access. Don’t make a home inspector
move your belongings in order to gain access.
3. Check the lightbulbs: If a lightbulb isn’t working, the
inspector will need to determine if the fixture is inoperable. Save them time by
making sure all the lightbulbs in the home operate, including those in the
crawlspace, attic, and furnace rooms.
4. Note septic systems: If you have a septic system in the
yard, be sure to leave a sketch that includes the location of it. It’ll avoid
home inspectors, buyers, and real estate professionals having to conduct
prolonged searches for it, Leopold says.
5. Keep appliances clear: Don’t leave dirty laundry in the
washing machine or dryer because the inspector will need to test the appliances,
and he doesn’t want to have to pull out dirty clothes in front of everybody,
Leopold says. “Also, make sure your oven and stovetop are clear and clean, so we
can easily test them without setting off the smoke alarm,” he adds.
Source: “Ask
the Experts: What Should Home Sellers Do to Prepare for a Home Inspection?”
RISMedia (April 16, 2013)
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