When selling your home, the buyer’s inspection can feel stressful. You’ve accepted an offer and are moving toward closing, and suddenly someone is examining your home from top to bottom.

The good news? Inspections are a normal part of many real estate transactions. Being prepared can help reduce surprises and keep your transaction moving forward.

Expect the Inspector to Find Something

Almost every home—even a well-maintained one—will have items noted on an inspection report. Inspectors may look at the roof, electrical and plumbing systems, HVAC, foundation, attic, crawl space, windows, doors, appliances and other accessible components.

A long report doesn’t necessarily mean your home has serious problems. What matters is the severity, safety implications and potential cost of the findings.

Prepare Before the Inspector Arrives

Take care of obvious maintenance items before the inspection. Replace burned-out bulbs and dirty HVAC filters, repair dripping faucets, test smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms, and make sure doors, windows and toilets operate properly.

Also provide reasonable access to the electrical panel, HVAC equipment, water heater, attic, crawl space and other areas the inspector may need to examine.

Small details can help demonstrate that the property has been cared for.

Give the Buyer and Inspector Space

In most situations, sellers don’t need to remain home during the inspection. Giving the buyer and inspector privacy allows them to concentrate, ask questions and complete their due diligence.

Depending on the property, an inspection may take several hours.

What If Problems Are Found?

Finding an issue doesn’t automatically mean you’re required to fix it.

What happens next depends on your purchase agreement, inspection provisions, applicable law and the circumstances of the transaction. A buyer may request repairs, additional evaluations, a credit or concession where permitted, or another negotiated solution.

Your Realtor can help you evaluate the requests and understand your contractual options.

Focus on What Really Matters

Not every repair request carries the same weight.

A loose doorknob is very different from an active roof leak, electrical hazard, structural concern or major HVAC problem.

Rather than reacting emotionally to a long list, evaluate each item based on safety, function, cost and its potential effect on the transaction.

Repair or Credit?

Sometimes making the repair is the best solution. In other cases, the parties may agree on a credit or another arrangement permitted by the contract and financing.

If you agree to make repairs, understand exactly what is required and consider using appropriately qualified professionals. Keep invoices, receipts, warranties and other documentation.

Should You Get a Pre-Listing Inspection?

Some sellers choose to have their home inspected before putting it on the market.

A pre-listing inspection may uncover issues early and give you time to decide how to address them. However, it isn’t right for every property, and discovering an issue may affect disclosure obligations.

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages with your real estate professional before deciding.

Additional Inspections May Be Requested

A general home inspection may not be the end of the buyer’s due diligence. Depending on the property, buyers may consider additional evaluations such as:

• Radon testing
• Termite or wood-destroying-insect inspection
• Septic or well inspection
• Water-quality testing
• Sewer-line evaluation
• Mold, chimney or structural evaluations

And yes—radon testing will be the next topic in The More You Know.

Don’t Hide Known Problems

Trying to conceal a known material issue can create much bigger problems later.

Disclosure requirements vary by property and circumstances, so sellers should complete required disclosures accurately and seek appropriate professional or legal guidance when needed.

Transparency and preparation can prevent unnecessary problems before closing.

The Final Walkthrough

Before the buyer’s final walkthrough, make sure agreed-upon repairs have been completed, required belongings have been removed and the property is left in the condition required by your agreement.

The objective is simple: no last-minute surprises.

The Bottom Line

Sellers don’t need to fear a home inspection—they need to prepare for it.

Take care of obvious maintenance, provide access, expect the inspector to find something and evaluate any buyer requests carefully with your Realtor.

A successful transaction isn’t about having a perfect home. It’s about being prepared, communicating clearly and finding reasonable solutions that keep everyone moving toward closing.

Thinking About Selling?

I can walk through your home with you before it goes on the market and help identify areas you may want to address before buyers—and their inspectors—arrive.

Knowledge opens doors. Preparation helps get them closed.

MARLENE BERNASCONI
Principal Broker | Instructor
Residential | Commercial | Relocation
Weichert Realtors, Saxon Clark – Johnson City, TN
Johnson City Chamber Ambassador
📱 423-444-4360 Cell (Preferred)
📞 423-342-3600 Office
📧 RealEstateByMarleneB@gmail.com
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