By DeAnna Banks, REALTOR®
What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is a normal part of the home buying process where an expert will inspect the interior and exterior of a home for defects and signs of larger issues in the home.
Learn more about what home inspections are and aren’t, how home inspections work, and all contract contingencies in other blogs.
Types of home inspections
There are multiple types of home inspections, from a general inspection to specific ones that may or may not be required for your home depending on where you live.
- General Home Inspections – An inspection of all visible and physically accessible systems in the home. This will include making sure the appliances and chimney work and that there aren’t clear signs of mold.
- Termite Inspections – Looks for signs of termites or other wood destroying insects within the walls or flooring of the property.
- Roof Inspections – Sometimes included in the general home inspection, this will check for wear and tear and weather damage.
- Plumbing Inspections – Checks for leaking water and proper indoor and outdoor plumbing pipes.
- HVAC Inspections – Looks for clean ductwork free from obvious signs of mold, dust, and leaks. It also inspects air filters and replaces them if needed.
- Radon Home Inspections –Determines current levels of radon in the home through monitoring devices that stay in the home for at least 2-3 days.
Learn more about inspections and their contract contingencies. Learn more about ways you can prepare to sell your home in our blog.
Why might sellers conduct a home inspection before selling their home?
There are a few reasons a seller may want a home inspection before listing a home for sale. Your agent can help you make this decision based on your needs and the condition of your home, which can include:
- Doing a home inspection early gives you time to fix any major issues, particularly ones that might scare away potential buyers. This gives you time to compare quotes from professionals and ensure you’ve fixed the issue before you’re on a deadline to make repairs before settlement.
- You can use the information to decide what repairs you’re comfortable taking on and what you will require the potential buyers to take care of. You will need to disclose any issues you’ve discovered to the buyer before the contract is ratified, so everyone will get access to the same information.
- You can price your home and structure your offer or counteroffers with the necessary repairs in mind. Buyers also can save a little bit of money on their end, which makes your home more appealing to buyers, and first-time homebuyers in particular.
- Because many buyers will request a home inspection as part of their offer on your home, it is likely your home will be inspected as part of the purchase. Instead of conducting the inspection – and the potential to uncover major problems – between ratifying the contract and the settlement table, a prelisting inspection can mean fewer surprises and a less contentious home sale.
Doing a home inspection before you list your home helps you prepare more fully for the home selling process, minimizes any surprises you may encounter, and gives both you and the new owner peace of mind knowing the home is in good condition.
