Home Inspections: from a seller’s perspective

A home inspection is a crucial part of the home buying process, as it helps buyers identify any potential problems with the property before they make a final purchase decision. As a seller, it’s important to be prepared for the inspection and it’s my job to help sellers understand what to expect.

First and foremost, it’s important to note that the home inspection is usually conducted by a professional home inspector who is hired by the buyer. The inspector will examine various aspects of your home, including the roof, foundation, electrical and plumbing systems, and HVAC system. They will also look for any visible signs of damage or defects, such as cracks in the walls or leaks in the roof.

As a seller, you can expect the home inspection to take several hours, depending on the size of your home. You should be prepared to give the inspector access to all areas of your home, including the basement, attic, and crawl space. You should also make sure that all utilities are turned on and that all appliances are in working order.

After the inspection is complete, the inspector will provide a detailed report to the buyer, which will outline any issues or defects that were found during the inspection. The buyer may then use this report to negotiate repairs or a reduction in the purchase price. The purchase agreement will outline how many days the buyer has to present you with requests for repairs.  From there, I will help you negotiate with the buyer. We will discuss what is reasonable and how you want to respond.  In the event that a buyer and seller can not come to terms on inspection requests the house could go back on the market (but as the seller, you would have to disclose to a future buyer any deficiencies that were discovered during the prior inspection).