Set Your Home Up for Success
When a buyer schedules a home inspection, it's a positive sign — they're serious about your property. A little preparation on your part can help the inspection go smoothly and avoid delays that could jeopardize the sale.
Here's how to get your home ready and make a strong impression.
Preparing Your Home
These steps help ensure a complete inspection without delays
Provide Clear Access
The inspector needs to reach the electrical panel, furnace, water heater, attic hatch, and crawlspace entry. Move boxes, furniture, and stored items away from these areas. About 3-4 feet of clearance is ideal. Items blocking access won't be moved — they'll simply be noted as "not inspected."
Leave Utilities On
All utilities should be active — electricity, gas, and water. If the home is vacant, make sure nothing has been disconnected. The inspector needs to test appliances, run water, operate the heating and cooling systems, and check electrical outlets. Without utilities, major systems can't be evaluated.
Ensure Pilot Lights Are Lit
If your home has gas appliances — water heater, furnace, fireplace, or stove — make sure the pilot lights are on. Inspectors won't light them because there may be a safety reason they were turned off. Unlit pilots mean those appliances can't be tested during the inspection.
Unlock All Areas
Unlock the garage, shed, electrical panel, attic access, and any gates or outbuildings. If there are locked areas the inspector can't access, they'll be documented as "unable to inspect" — which can raise questions for buyers and their lenders.
Clear the Exterior
The inspector needs to see all sides of the foundation and exterior walls. Move trash cans, firewood, stored materials, and trim back overgrown shrubs. A clear path around the home allows for a thorough exterior evaluation without limitations.
Clear Under Sinks
Remove cleaning supplies and stored items from under kitchen and bathroom sinks. The inspector needs to check the plumbing connections, look for leaks, and assess the condition of drain lines. Cluttered cabinets can hide existing problems.
Address Known Issues
Taking care of small problems before the inspection leaves a good impression and can prevent minor issues from becoming negotiation points.
Quick Fixes Matter
Replace burned-out light bulbs, fix sticky door latches, repair dripping faucets, clean or replace dirty furnace filters, and install fresh batteries in smoke detectors. These small items are all noted in the report.
Check Drains & Gutters
Clear slow drains and clean out gutters before the inspection. Water management issues are common findings, and showing that you've maintained these systems demonstrates good stewardship of the property.
Document Your Work
If you've replaced the roof, updated the electrical panel, installed a new furnace, or made other significant improvements, leave the receipts and permits on the counter. Documentation of upgrades gives buyers confidence.
Give Yourself Time
Don't wait until the night before the inspection. If you know of issues that need attention, get quotes from contractors and complete repairs in advance. Rushed fixes can delay closings or reduce your negotiating position.
On Inspection Day
- Be Ready Early: Inspectors often arrive a few minutes ahead of schedule to start on the exterior. Have the home ready at least 30 minutes before the appointment time.
- Plan to Leave: Buyers feel more comfortable asking questions and exploring when the owner isn't present. Plan to be away for 2-4 hours, depending on the size of your home.
- Take Pets With You: Remove pets from the home or secure them where they won't interfere with the inspection. Some buyers have allergies, and pets can be unpredictable around strangers opening doors and moving through the house.
- Set a Comfortable Temperature: Leave the thermostat at a normal setting so the heating or cooling system can be tested. In New Brunswick winters, this is especially important — a cold house prevents proper HVAC evaluation.
- Leave Lights On: Turn on lights in closets, the garage, basement, and other dark areas. This helps the inspection go faster and shows you have nothing to hide.
Why Preparation Matters
A well-prepared home sends a clear message: this property has been cared for. When the inspector finds easy access, working systems, and documented maintenance, it builds buyer confidence.
On the other hand, blocked access points, deferred maintenance, and missing information can raise concerns — even if the underlying condition of the home is good. First impressions matter, and the inspection is often the buyer's most detailed look at your property.
Taking an hour or two to prepare can make the difference between a smooth transaction and unexpected negotiation hurdles.
Common Questions from Sellers
A pre-listing inspection can be a smart move. It reveals issues before buyers discover them, giving you time to make repairs or adjust your pricing. It also shows buyers you're being transparent. Learn more about pre-listing inspections.
Technically yes, but it's not recommended. Buyers need space to explore the home and ask questions freely. Your presence can make them uncomfortable and may even create liability concerns. It's best to leave during the inspection.
Significant findings are part of the negotiation process. Buyers may ask for repairs, request a price reduction, or simply accept the home as-is. Your real estate agent can help you navigate these discussions. Most deals proceed even when issues are found.
The inspection isn't about cleanliness — it's about the condition of systems and structure. That said, a reasonably tidy home allows better access and leaves a positive impression. You don't need to deep clean, but clearing clutter from key areas helps the inspection go smoothly.
Consider a Pre-Listing Inspection
Get ahead of buyer concerns by knowing exactly what your home's condition is before you list. A pre-listing inspection gives you time to address issues, adjust pricing, or simply be prepared for negotiations.