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Home Inspection Checklist for Sellers in Chattanooga, TN

Your dream of selling your home has now become a reality as you and the buyer have finally signed a contract. The final details are coming together and one of those is the home inspection. Because the home purchase is a crucial time for buyers, most will hire a professional to inspect the home during the home inspection contingency.

Great news! You don’t need to panic. Just follow this home inspection checklist for sellers so you don’t get caught off guard with unexpected costs.

Attic – Declutter this area. Get rid of unnecessary items and donate those you no longer need but are still functional. 

Bedrooms – Move items away from the walls. Remove personal items and other stuff that does not add appeal to the room. 

Bathrooms – It’s important to clean this area well for hygienic purposes. Clean the tiles, wipe the mirrors and walls, and remove soap and other deposits from the tub, sink, and shower. 

All Rooms – Make all rooms accessible by removing items away from the walls and removing other unnecessary items. 

1. Do your own inspection and walkthrough

Sometimes, you just can’t rely on what’s visible. Take note of smells and sounds that can possibly raise questions. Remember, any item that poses an issue or defect will be further investigated by the home inspector. Musty smell, wet spot on the ceiling, or even a previously molded wall can warrant an additional examination. You may also want to check the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. It helps to check everything thoroughly to ensure good working conditions.

2. Work on minor repairs

If you find minor defects that need repair, perform the repairs on your own. They can be as simple as replacing burned-out light bulbs, patching nail holes in the wall or testing light fixtures. These types of simple projects or repairs you are capable of doing yourself.

3. Provide easy access to your home

Whether you will be around during the inspection or not, make sure to provide easy access for the inspector. The home inspector will look through all parts of the home including the attic, garage, and basement. Make sure to remove any objects away from the wall. Unlock any rooms, as well as the attic or crawlspace, and provide a clear path through your basement. This way, the home inspector can thoroughly examine your home’s foundation. If you have pets, put them up during the time of the inspection so as not to create a distraction during the inspection.

4. Check the appliances

Make sure to run all your major appliances and see how they are working. Everything should work with no issues. However, if you decide to replace or repair items, try to get that done before the home inspection appointment. 

5. Prepare all documents

This is another important part of your list that you should be able to jot down. Gather all your receipts, warranties, and other documentation. Place them in a folder for easy access. The home inspector may want to check the last time the chimney was cleaned or the last time the HVAC system was serviced. Also, make sure to include documentation that shows the age of your appliances.

6. Check your plumbing system

In most cases, a running toilet may just be the result of a bad seal. This can be fixed by replacing a new flapper prior to the home inspection appointment. Small issues like this can be fixed right away and for little expense.

7. Check for mold and mildew

Even a small hint of mold and mildew can be flagged in the report, and turn off the buyer. Check for any signs of mold and mildew buildup in damp areas such as the bathroom and basement. Try to determine the cause and fix or repair these areas.

8. Make sure to change the air conditioning and heating filters

Aside from altering your heater or air conditioner’s performance, a clogged HVAC filter is actually pretty bad for your health. Change the filters before the inspector examines this system.

9. Last but not least, turn on the utilities

Make sure the water and power are on. Any obstruction to the inspection may call for rescheduling. This can waste time and ultimately delay the sale. Remember, the home inspector will check all systems including electrical and plumbing.

As a seller, remind yourself that a home inspection is never a pass/fail examination. It simply describes the current overall condition of the home you are selling.

Home Improvements You Can Do Before the Big Day

• Make Necessary Repairs – If you notice minor problems in the house that are easy to fix, do it right away. These can include replacing a door, installing weather stripping, replacing or reglazing windows, caulking the siding, and so much more. 
• Remove clutter – Clutter and mess are two different things. Clutter is excess stuff that is no longer useful and only takes up space. A mess is temporary and is composed of items that are perhaps put in the wrong place but can be easily tidied up. So, put away or clean up the mess, and throw away or get rid of clutter. 
• Clean up – It’s important to thoroughly clean your house before the home inspection. A dirty house is a major turnoff for buyers and may make the inspector suspicious of other areas of the home. 

Tips to Sell Your Home Quick 

• Think Like a Buyer – Remember what your thoughts were when you were looking for a home? Those are probably the same things in your new potential buyer’s mind. A clean home is more inviting so, get down to the smallest of details and see that no surface goes unscrubbed. 
• Bring the Outside In – Make your home extra inviting by adding some greenery inside. Just remember to keep a simple theme so it’s not overwhelming. 
• Put your Best Foot Forward – As for the house, that will be the lawn or front yard. Why? First impressions are everything and a lush lawn will make a great first impression. 

3 Biggest Home Selling Mistakes

• Setting an Unrealistic Price – Just because you think your home is worth your price doesn’t mean the market will bear the same. Work with your agent to see the best value of your home. 
• Limited Showing Schedule – The goal is to accommodate as many buyers as possible even if the timing is inconvenient. If it’s not easily available for showing, it may not be easy to sell. 
• Ignoring Major Repairs – A long list of maintenance issues with even the easiest to fix can turn off potential buyers. 

A pre-listing home inspection is one of the most useful tools you can have in your toolkit when considering putting your home on the market. Selling a home is not an inexpensive investment and you’ll want to make sure that you get your home in a saleable shape. This important step in a real estate transaction can help you understand what issues there are with your home if any and how you can move forward preparing your home for the market. 

If you or someone you know is purchasing a home and needs a quality Chattanooga Home Inspector, be sure to give Chattanooga Home Inspector a call (423) 284-1510 Today or Click To Schedule Online 24/7 Right From Our Website.

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Your Home Inspectors Chattanooga has been providing Buyer’s Inspection, Pre-Listing Inspection, Mold Testing, Radon Testing, Septic Inspection, Pools and Spa Inspection, Gas Leak Detection, Water Quality Testing and Aerial Photos For FREE to home buyers and home sellers in the following areas of Chattanooga (37421), Hixson (37343), Apison (37302), Ooltewah (37363), Collegedale (37302), Soddy Daisy (37379), Middle Valley (37343), Signal Mountain (37377), Red Bank (37415), East Ridge (37412) and the surrounding areas since 2014.

Call Chattanooga Home Inspector Today (423) 284-1510 or Click To Schedule Online 24/7 Right From Our Website.

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