Today, savvy home buyers who are looking to purchase a home in Flower Mound or the Dallas area desire a home inspection before signing on the dotted line. In most cases, purchase contracts include a home inspection contingency clause. If you were buying a home, you would likely want to know that there were no major issues that would cost you a substantial amount of money after the fact! Having professional home inspectors come in and “invade” your space may not sound like much fun, but it’s essential if you want to sell.
What can you do on your part to make sure your home passes inspection with flying colors? Here are a few tips:
- Replace window screens that are damaged or torn.
- Make sure all handrails are secure, and door knobs tight
- Ensure there is a smoke detector on every floor
- Make sure that gas pilots are lit for inspection
- Take pets to a friend or neighbor’s home during the inspection
- Make sure that your windows operate properly, and are not stuck, jammed, or painted shut.
- Make sure the inspector has easy access to electrical panels, the furnace, water heater, or other difficult to get to places.
- Change out the filter in your furnace or HVAC system, and vacuum the register
- Check all indoor and outdoor lights to ensure they work. If a bulb is out or fixture needs replacing, take care of it.
- Inspect the roof to see if you need to replace any shingles or make simple repairs you can take care of yourself
- Inspect for leaks around sinks, bathtubs, or the toilet. When possible, replace old caulk.
- Make sure your laundry appliances are empty, as inspectors check all appliances for proper operation.
Home inspectors will check the attic, crawl spaces, the basement, closets, foundation and siding, chimneys, appliances, doors, windows – literally every aspect of your home. Make sure your home is in tip-top shape, and you will enjoy not only passing inspection, but selling your home quicker than you thought possible!
If you’re selling your Flower Mound Home, count on the North Texas real estate professionals at Team Nelson for tips, ideas, and professional guidance to make the process as easy (and profitable) as possible.
