Getting your home ready for the home inspection

It is always good to revisit this issue from time to time. Hopefully, this will be a good refresher for experienced real estate agents, and some value added service to new real estate agents. 

A big concern that we see from both seller and real estate agents when it comes to the home inspection, is the amount of time that we, the home inspector, is at the house conducting our home inspection.  Our goal is to do a complete inspection, and not overlook any item. However, there are times when a home inspection may take longer than it should. A main reason is that the home is not properly prepared for the home inspection. If we can't get to an important area because of clutter or furniture blocking access, then that may take time to move.  For example, during a recent Woodmere home inspection, access to the attic was located in a master bedroom closet. Unfortunately, the homeowner had tons of clothes blocking the access door. We had to take time and remove the items prior to getting into the attic.  During a Farmingdale home inspection, a electrical subpanel was partially blocked by a cabinet. Again, we took time to gain entry to that sub panel.

With this in mind, we created a "Sellers guide to getting your home ready for the home inspection" and we want to share it with everyone, especially real estate agents.  By following the tips we provide, the home inspection process can be speed up. We hope that you find it useful.  We have even provided a printable version which is located at the end so that you can provide your homeowners with it so they can be prepared.

You can read the sellers guide to getting your home ready for the home inspection here. 

For all your Long Island Home Inspection needs, call How's My House Home Inspections at 516-732-7595.

If you are selling your home consider this.

If your house is on the market, or you are thinking of putting it on the market to sell, be warned. As a home inspector, we see items and conditions everyday in homes that cause potential buyers to walk away from the house, for the fear of what that malfunction may bring.  With proper maintenance of a home, many items can be corrected. Here is a list of some of the more common items that scare buyers.

• Mold
• Asbestos
• Underground Oil Tanks
• Lead Paint
• Unsafe Stairs
• Radon
• Problems in the Attic
• Overhanging tree branches

These of course are not the only problems that arise in a home, but typically what buyers are fearful of according to Nick Gromicko, founder of the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors.

By addressing these type of items prior to listing your home, you will most likely have a greater chance of selling your home fast.  You may even want to consider a Pre Sale Home Inspection.  You can read the complete article here about these unexpected home issues.