Are you considering selling your home? Before you list it, it’s important to get a pre-listing home inspection. Let’s learn about what this inspection checks for and why you need it!

The buyer of your home will have an inspection done before closing to determine if there are any problems with the home’s interior or exterior. The quantity and severity of these issues can affect both the price they are willing to pay for the home and the quickness with which they move into the home. You as the seller have a helpful advantage – you can have a pre-listing inspection done before your house even goes on the market.

Your pre-listing home inspection helps you detect issues with your home early so that you can proactively address them before the buyer’s inspector does their own analysis of the home. Included in the pre-listing home inspection are checks for:

Outdoor

• No standing water, drainage away from house
• No septic system leaks
• Landscaping, trees, walkways and yard in good condition
• No bushes touching the home or branches overhanging the roof
• No evidence of rot or infestation
• Secure and adequate railings
• Driveway, patio and sidewalks in good condition
• No rot or decay of wood shingles on roof
• No curling of or damaged/missing shingles

Structural

• No cracking, rot or decay in siding
• No large cracks in stucco
• No wood-to-earth contact in siding

Interior

• Sufficient insulation and ventilation in attic
• No open electrical splices
• No stains on floors, walls, ceilings
• Floors, walls, and ceilings straight and level
• Electrical outlets operate properly
• No damage to fireplace
• Adequate water flow in sinks
• Plumbing fixtures in good condition
• Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors working properly
• HVAC operational and in good condition

Having the pre-listing inspection conducted makes you aware of any of these issues you may have well in advance and allows you to make any necessary fixes to both the inside and outside of your home. This way, when the buyer’s inspector comes to take a look, you’re less likely to have big problems holding your buyer back from closing the deal and your home sale will go a lot quicker and smoother.

Are You Ready for Your Pre-Listing Home Inspection?

Highland Homes Inspections is a Maryland home inspector dedicated to helping make your home as safe as possible. Contact us to learn more about our inspection services or to schedule your pre-listing home inspection today!