Sellers: How to Help Out the Home Inspector

If you're selling your home, chances are you're going to be having a home inspection done on your property. Buyers want to know what they're buying, and want to know any defects that might be on your property.

There are a few things you can do to help a home inspection go quickly and easily with the least amount of inconvenience for everyone.

1. Clean your house. A clean house shows you take care of your house. If a home inspector walks in and immediately sees trash strewn about, he's going to assume there are other issues on your property that haven't been properly maintained. Moving boxes are a realistic thing to have, just not trash and clutter.

2. Be ready early. Home inspectors have a common theme for showing up early. Normally, they will start on the outside and work their way in, but you would have quite a surprise to have a home inspector walk in on you while you were in the shower. Try to be ready at least 45 minutes prior to the inspection.

3. Leave your utilities on. A home inspector will be checking the electrical service and appliances, as well as running the water and checking the heat. He won't be able to do a proper inspection if any of these are turned off, which will mean another visit will be needed. Save everyone time and make sure they are all on for the inspection.

4. Clean the basement. Or if you don't have a basement, make sure the area around your furnace, water tank and electrical service is clean and free of clutter. This will give easier access to the home inspector, and might save some of your stuff from breaking should he be tripping over it!

5. Make easy access to the attic and garage. The inspector will be all over your house, these areas included. While it's common for people that are moving to store their belongings in the garage, make sure it's easy for the home inspector to move around in there, same for the attic. Make sure you leave your garage door opener behind so they can insure that it works.

6. If you've done repairs, try to produce the receipts. This will not only reassure your buyers that the work was done, but the home inspector will be able to explain exactly what was done and how it was handled.

7. Go away! When you see your buyers show up with their home inspector, be prepared to leave. Buyers are uncomfortable talking when the seller is around, and there will be a lot of questions asked during a home inspection. Plan on being gone at least 2 hours.

Home inspections are never fun for anyone; there is always the fear of something going wrong that will kill the sale. Do your part at least, to make it as smooth and easy as possible for the home inspector.