What the home seller needs to know

As an experienced home inspector, I often run into identical situations several times a month, week, or even the same day. Though the variety of homes available in West Texas is endless, you might be surprised to know that as an experienced home inspector, I can sometimes predict which defects I will find in a home before I even arrive! 

With that said, as a home seller, there are also some things you can reasonably anticipate from a home inspection. I'd like to share that information with you, because, as they say, the more we know, the better off we all are!

1. As a home seller, you are welcome to stay in your home while I inspect. After all, it is your property! However, please don't buy into the fantasy that your being there will somehow change the outcome of the inspection. A home inspector is tasked with telling the story of the home; whether it's a positive story, or negative story, is beyond my control if I'm doing my job correctly.  Facts don't lie.

2. Make every area  of your home accessible, please! Whatever area of the home, before you ask, Yes; I need to inspect it! Closets might be the only possible exception, but if access to the crawlspace, attic, electrical panel, HVAC component, or plumbing component is inside said closet, please remove your belongings so it can be inspected. Believe it or not, many sellers hurt the inspection process and thereby the sales transaction by not  making all areas of their home accessible to the home inspector. As a home inspector, it is not my responsibility to move items to inspect an area of your home. As the seller, that's your responsibility.

3. Never attempt to hide anything! This, of course, does not apply to most of you, but it is still helpful to remember that an experienced home inspector (Like ME) will find whatever is being hidden anyway. Save time and stress and don't try to hide problems. Wisdom dictates that your best bet would be to make the defect accessible, and ALSO disclose the defect on the Seller's disclosure. Unfortunately, I have observed many defects that appeared to be purposely concealed in one way or another.

4. As the home inspector, I am here to help the process move along. Regardless of the outcome of the sale of your property, I am here to help. If the home doesn't sell due to defects in the property, take the opportunity to correct these defects listed on my inspection report, and most likely, the next sales contract will run through to completion due to a great home inspection!

5. Truly proactive home sellers have contacted me many times to complete pre-listing inspections. In this situation, I work for YOU, the home seller!! The great thing about pre-listing inspections is the report will give you a list of needed repairs that you can correct, or not, before  the home ever hits the market! That way, all the cards are out on the table, and this type of listing typically moves much faster than a home that is inspected on behalf of the buyer.

Like to learn more? Call me! I can help!