How to Prepare for a Home Inspection in 2025
A home inspection is a key milestone in the real estate transaction. It provides clarity and assurance for both sellers and buyers.
For sellers, it’s an opportunity to showcase your property’s value and address potential concerns or deferred maintenance ahead of time. For buyers, it’s a chance to understand the home’s condition and feel confident in the purchase, and you won’t have any surprises after closing day. For both, it can also be a critical point of negotiations.
This article, however, is for our sellers following the Successful Seller Strategy™. Every one of our sellers knows that preparation is the foundation for success. There are three areas to prepare for when it comes to your home inspection: exterior, interior, and mental preparation.
Exterior Preparation
Enhancing Access and Appeal
The exterior of your home is not just the first thing an inspector will see, it’s also where they’ll look for signs of care and accessibility. A tidy, accessible exterior makes the inspection process smoother and reflects a well-maintained property.
Create a clean and open environment.
Trim overgrown trees, bushes, and vines so the inspector can clearly view the siding, roof, and foundation. Also, clear away wood, furniture, or debris that may be touching the house or foundation, as these can obscure inspection areas or raise concerns about pests.
Ensure accessibility throughout.
Unlock gates, sheds, storage areas, and HVAC closets. Check that the sewer clean-out is visible and easy to reach if a sewer scope is part of the inspection. These small steps demonstrate thorough preparation and respect for the inspector’s time.
The Quick List
Trim trees, bushes, and vines away from the sides and roof of the home.
Remove wood, debris, or furniture touching the house or foundation.
Unlock all gates, storage sheds, and HVAC closets for easy access.
Ensure the sewer clean-out is visible and accessible for scoping.
Interior Preparation
Showcasing Functionality and Maintenance
Inside the home, the inspector will assess systems and spaces from top to bottom, from appliances to mechanical systems. Presenting a well-maintained, functioning interior makes a strong statement about the care you’ve given the property.
Begin with utilities.
Make sure water, gas, and electricity are turned on, especially if the home has been vacant. Replace burned-out light bulbs and test smoke alarms to confirm they’re in working order with fresh batteries.
Create easy access to critical areas.
Move furniture and stored items away from attic entries, crawl spaces, under-stair storage, and HVAC systems. Don’t forget to tidy up the electrical panel and other mechanical areas, as these are inspection focal points. Clean areas that aren’t regularly cleaned and dusted, like the HVAC system, electrical panel, and crawl space. Don’t forget to replace your HVAC filters, too.
The Quick List
Turn on all utilities, including water, gas, and electricity, especially if the home has been vacant.
Replace light bulbs and test smoke alarms; ensure batteries are fresh.
Move furniture or stored items that block access to attic, crawl spaces, or under-stair storage.
Clean HVAC systems and replace filters to demonstrate upkeep.
Test appliances like the furnace, dishwasher, and garbage disposal.
Inspectors will operate nearly every appliance and system in the home, from the furnace and dishwasher to the garbage disposal. If any of these aren’t functioning, let your Realtor® know beforehand. This honesty builds trust and reduces surprises during the inspection.
Mental Preparation
Setting Expectations and Staying Transparent
Home inspections can feel stressful, but with the right mindset and a little planning, they don’t have to be. Mental preparation helps both you and the inspector stay on track.
Start by documenting any repairs or upgrades made to the home.
Having receipts or detailed records available shows buyers and inspectors that you’ve taken proper care of the property. If there are known issues you haven’t had time to address, be upfront about them. Proactive communication builds trust and sets the right tone for negotiations.
Pets can complicate inspections.
Consider boarding your pets or making alternative arrangements during the inspection to minimize distractions and ensure their safety.
The Quick List
Be upfront about any known issues or needed repairs; it’s better to address them now than surprise buyers later.
Gather and provide documentation for recent repairs or maintenance, such as receipts for HVAC servicing or appliance upgrades.
Consider temporary accommodations for pets to ensure their safety and reduce distractions.
Finally, the inspection should be approached as a learning opportunity. Even if challenges arise, viewing the process as a collaborative step toward closing the deal can make it less daunting and more productive.
