Pre-listing Home Inspection Checklist for Sellers

The appearance, condition, and functionality of your home can have a dramatic impact on the number of offers you receive and what it eventually sells for.  If you work with a real estate agent or broker, they can assist with certain aspects such as de-cluttering, the layout, and staging.  However, we want to discuss some of the more common home inspection points that will not only save you time and money, but will prevent potential buyers from getting scared off.

Exterior Appearance

No doubt the real estate agent or broker you’re working with will emphasize the overall importance of first impressions where the appearance of your home is concerned.  As a helpful suggestion, try looking at your home as if you were the prospective buyer.  It will help you get an idea what you’d be looking for and how the house looks. Will its appearance impress you? Will you think it’s been well cared for and maintained? Here are a few helpful tips:

  • Buy some colorful flowers and place them along the entryway.

  • Check your front door to see if it needs a fresh coat of paint or new fixtures.

  • Consider applying some fresh paint if the exterior paint or siding is cracking, peeling, or significantly worn.

  • Make sure the lawn is well manicured – mow it, pull the weeds, and trim the shrubs.

  • Purchase a new welcome mat.

Interior Appearance

While some interior items can detract from a home’s visual appeal, others are items that buyers and home inspectors will be concerned with:

  • Consider painting, re-facing, or refinishing any worn kitchen cabinets.

  • Make sure all doors and windows as well as lights and switches work properly.

  • Patch any holes and worn areas on baseboards and trim; re-paint where needed.

  • Replace outdated cabinet and plumbing fixtures.

  • Run every sink and check for leaks.

A good deep cleaning of all areas is also recommended, especially in the bathrooms and kitchen.  Buyers tend to look at these key areas with more of a critical eye than others.  Prospective buyers will more than likely contract their own home inspection.  However, you can get a step ahead and save money by taking care of the above items before the home inspection.

Some of the more common inspection items to deal with include checking your downspouts and rain gutters, having an electrician upgrade outlet to ones that are GFCI protected, and having your HVAC system and water heater cleaned and serviced. A clean and well-maintained house is always a welcoming sight.

To learn more about pre-listing inspections, call Clark Contract Inspection at your earliest convenience at (309) 489-7224. Our business representatives are available for your assistance. Call now.

Anthony Clark