You’ve found the right buyer, gone through negotiations, and come to an agreement. Things have gone smoothly so far, but now you have to pass one final test: the home inspection.

In our experience, many sellers who undergo inspections find them to be the most nerve-racking part of the selling process. If you’re feeling anxious, knowing what to expect and being as prepared as possible can help. Here are a few steps you can take to get ready for your inspection and set your mind at ease.

Clean up

Many home sellers aren’t sure whether to tidy up before an inspection. As far as we’re concerned, you absolutely should. Inspectors are human beings, which means they’re capable of misinterpreting temporary messiness as general neglect.

To make a good impression, get rid of as much obstructive clutter as you can. Take care of those hidden dust bunnies, and scour any grime that exists in your kitchen and shower.

Perform minor repairs & replacements

As you’re cleaning up, you might find that there are some minor improvements that you can undertake on your own. Replace burnt-out light bulbs. Put a fresh filter in the furnace. If you’ve done it before (or you’re comfortable asking for advice at your local home improvement store), repair any basic plumbing leaks and apply fresh caulking to your tub and shower fixtures.

Clear your roof & foundation

One of the first things an inspector will look at is your roof, so sweep off the snow or leaves and clear out your gutters. They’ll also want to inspect your foundation, so make sure this area is free of mulch and debris in the warmer months. In the winter, clear a path so that it’s more easily accessible.

Leave utilities & pilot light on

This is an easy step, but it’s one that many sellers forget. From your furnace and air conditioning to your gas stove and dishwasher, the inspector is going to have to test your major systems and appliances. So leave your utilities on and your pilot light lit. Failing to do so could prevent the inspector from doing their job—which could mean a repeat visit to your home.

Provide work space

We’ve heard stories of inspectors leaving homes mid-inspection because there were boxes or furniture blocking the furnace. If this happens, it will prolong the inspection process. We suggest clearing the area around your furnace and water heaters. A diameter of a few feet should be sufficient.

Check your detectors

Here’s an easy one: test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Having working detectors in residential buildings (including condos and houses) is the law, so replace yours if they aren’t working.

Provide easy access to keys & remote controls

All areas of your home should be accessible for inspection, including attics, garages, and storage spaces. Ensure that any keys and remote controls that provide entry to these areas are clearly labeled. The handiest place to leave them is on the kitchen table. Don’t forget to leave your electrical box unlocked!

Have repair documents handy

It will be useful for the home inspector to have all relevant information related to recent repairs, renovations, and improvements. Collect invoices and other helpful documents and leave them stacked neatly on the kitchen table.

Stay out for at least 3 hours

As a seller, your presence could be disruptive to the inspector. If the buyers decide to attend the inspection, they may also feel less comfortable asking questions if you’re there. For these reasons, we advise staying out of the house while the home inspection is occurring.

The length of time it takes to complete the process varies, but 3 hours is a good rule of thumb. You might want to plan a fun, relaxing activity during this period—like a family picnic or a movie.

Are you looking to sell your home in the D.C. area? From your first showing to your home inspection to closing, we can help. We have the local market expertise to help you simplify the selling process. Call us at 202-270-1081 or send us an email here to get the answers you need.

The Stokes Group is a team of dedicated professionals who have passion for the real estate business and will advocate for our clients with the utmost honesty, integrity, and confidentiality. We believe in building solid relationships with our clients and that starts by getting to know who we are. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.