13 tips to make your Scottsdale property “show” better for the home inspection

As typical home sales in Scottsdale are on the rise, home inspections are once again becoming a more significant part of the real estate transaction.  Most all bank owned sales and short sales are sold “AS-IS”, so that the buyer is making a “Buy, Don’t Buy” decision, as a result of the home inspection.

In a typical sale by a home owner with equity, there’s an inspection period of typically 10 days, where the buyer completes all inspections, and then usually makes a request for repairs.  Buyers have the choice to cancel a contract, based on the results of the inspection and on the seller’s response to their requested repairs, so the home inspection plays a critical role in the transaction.

Dave Hill at Buyers & Sellers Property Inspections LLC sent me this checklist of 13 quick tips to help sellers prepare their home for the inspection. Most are very simple, but a little bit of effort up front can really pay off in the end for the seller and can reassure the buyer about the condition of the home.

1. Make sure all interior and exterior light fixtures work. If an outdoor fixture bulb is out, the inspector has to note that the fixture does not operate correctly.
2. Provide access to the furnace, water heater, attic, and electrical panel. Also, the inspector must be able to remove the electrical panel cover. If the panel is locked, please remove all locks.
3. Install a new furnace filter and vacuum the register. It will be looked at during the inspection and be considered as a part of the overall condition of the furnace or heat pump. (Dirty filters indicate lack of regular maintenance.)
4. Ensure that windows operate smoothly. If some are stuck or painted shut, the impression will be that many windows cannot open. Also, remove window security screws or provide keys for window security locks.
5. Replace all damaged window screens, and make sure all operating windows have screens.
6. Tighten all door knobs and tighten or repair all handrails. Also check to be sure that all interior doors will latch to the strike plate.
7. Clear the way to the attic access panel or pull down, especially in a closet. The inspector will enter every attic.
8. If you use your attic for storage, remove any items that will inhibit the inspector.
9. Be sure that there is a minimum of one smoke detector per floor.
10. Provide keys or unlock sheds and outbuildings.
11. Verify all utilities will be on at the time of inspection, and that gas pilots (including fireplaces) are lit. (It is outside the scope of the visual inspection to light pilot lights.)
12. Remove or restrain pets on site.
13. Empty the washer and dryer so they can be tested. The dishwasher can be run whether it is full or empty.

Some home owners will even pay for a home inspection before listing their home, to ensure that there are no surprises later on down the line.

If you have any questions about the home inspections in Scottsdale, give Dave a call at (602) 703-9607.