Home inspections are par for the course when purchasing a home anywhere in Canada today. They can actually be beneficial for a seller too. If you know what a home inspector is going to look for when evaluating your home, you’ll have a jump on making sure these things are in tip top shape before you even list.
Check out these five tips to make a possibly emotionally-charged experience a little easier on your nerves:
Get your own inspection. You know the buyer is going to want a home inspector to go over every inch of your home, so why not hire an inspector to do the same? You’ll have an idea of what’s what and can address any problems or concerns right away. Doing so will give you confidence as buyers are looking at your home.
Get out of Dodge. It’s not wise to be around when a buyer’s home inspection is taking place. It could make them uncomfortable about asking the inspector pointed questions. An inspection takes about three to four hours, so if you can, do something that’s relaxing, like going on a picnic or taking a scenic hike or visit with family or friends you haven’t seen in a while.
Declutter and clean. Having a clean house free of clutter makes a great first impression on the buyers and on a home inspector. You’re helping an inspector by making it easier for them to move around and do their job well. If things have to be moved, it could cause frustration.
Be transparent. Don’t try to hide anything from a buyer. You should let them know of any defects of which you’re aware. If you don’t disclose them, you may not only lose a sale, but you could be slapped with a lawsuit. Honesty is the best policy.
Nothing is off limits. You need to know that an inspector and the purchasers will be going over your home with a fine toothed comb. Not only will an inspector look at the roof and the basement, they will also open cabinets, closets, turn on faucets, flush toilets, open and close windows and may even turn on the dishwasher. It may seem like an invasion of privacy, but it comes with the home inspection territory.
