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As a Seller, What Should I Do Prior to a Home Inspection?

Getting your home ready for an inspection is one of the most important things you can do as a seller. Over the years, we’ve seen plenty of inspections go smoother simply because the seller took a little time to prepare. It’s not about making your home perfect—it’s about making sure we can do our job thoroughly and efficiently. Here’s what we recommend:

1. Unlock Everything

We can’t tell you how many times we’ve shown up to find locked crawl spaces, attic doors, or breaker panels. It’s frustrating for everyone, especially the buyer, because we can’t inspect what we can’t access. Double-check that all doors, gates, and panels are unlocked before the inspection starts.

2. Clear the Way

Accessibility is everything during an inspection. If your attic entry is buried under a pile of boxes or your electrical panel is blocked by furniture, we won’t be able to inspect those areas. This will end up in the report as “inaccessible,” which can raise questions for buyers. Take a few minutes to move items away from key areas.

3. Replace Burned-Out Bulbs

This might seem minor, but if a light doesn’t work, we don’t assume it’s just a dead bulb—it could be an electrical issue. Replacing burned-out bulbs ahead of time saves everyone unnecessary worry.

4. Tidy Up

We’re not judging your housekeeping skills, but a clean home makes our job easier. Dusty HVAC filters, cobwebs in the crawl space, or cluttered rooms can make it harder for us to spot potential issues. Plus, a tidy home gives buyers confidence that the property has been well-maintained.

5. Handle Small Fixes

Leaky faucets, loose doorknobs, or that cabinet that doesn’t quite close—these small issues can pile up in a report. Taking care of them ahead of time shows buyers that you’ve been diligent about maintaining the home.

6. Have Documentation Ready

One of the best things you can do is gather receipts or records for repairs and maintenance you’ve had done. Recently replaced the roof? Had the HVAC system serviced? This kind of documentation is gold for buyers and shows that you’ve cared for the home.

7. Secure or Remove Pets

We’ve met plenty of friendly pets on inspections, but they can make the process tricky. A curious dog or cat wandering through the inspection isn’t just a distraction—it can be a safety concern. If possible, take pets with you or secure them in a specific area.

8. Plan to Leave

Buyers are more comfortable asking questions and exploring the home when the seller isn’t there. Over the years, we’ve noticed that sellers who leave during the inspection make the process much smoother. Plan to be out for 2-3 hours—it’s worth it.

Why Preparation Makes a Difference

From locked crawl spaces to inaccessible attics, we’ve seen how small oversights can create unnecessary hurdles. When sellers take the time to prepare, it helps us do a thorough inspection and gives buyers confidence in your home. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.

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