Preparing for a Home Inspection: A Guide for Buyer's and Seller's Agents

A Real Estate Agent helping their clients prepare for a home inspection

As a Houston real estate agent, whether you're representing the buyer or the seller, preparing for a home inspection is crucial to ensure a smooth transaction and minimize potential surprises that could derail the deal. A well-prepared home allows for a thorough inspection, benefiting all parties involved. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you prepare your clients and the property for the upcoming inspection.

For Both Buyer’s and Seller’s Agents:

Ensure all utilities (electricity, gas, water) are on for the inspection.

• Seller’s agents: Remind your client to keep all utilities on, even if the home is vacant.

• Buyer’s agents: Verify with the listing agent that utilities are active.

Confirm All Necessary Codes

• Seller’s agents: Ensure the inspector has access codes for gated communities and, if required, that the inspector’s name and company are listed with the guardhouse.

• Buyer’s agents: Verify with the listing agent that all necessary codes and notifications are in place.

For Seller’s Agents:

Ensure Access to Key Areas

Clear pathways to critical areas to allow for a full inspection:

• Attic access: If located in the garage, ensure vehicles are moved to allow use of pull-down stairs.

• Crawl spaces: Ensure entrances are unobstructed.

• HVAC units: Remove any items stacked around attic and outdoor units.

• Electrical panel: Ensure at least three feet of clearance for easy access.

• Deactivate alarm systems before the inspection.

• Unlock any locked areas, including outbuildings, closets, and attic doors.

• Provide access to the sprinkler system, pool equipment, well, septic systems, and any additional outbuildings, if applicable.

Address Potential Safety Hazards

• Secure or remove pets from the property. If pets remain, they should be in a kennel. If left in a room, the inspector will be unable to access that area.

• Identify any areas that may be unsafe for the inspector to access and address concerns beforehand.

Prepare the Interior

• Complete minor repairs: Address simple fixes such as leaky faucets, burnt-out bulbs, loose door handles, broken or missing outlet/switch cover plates, and sealing cracks around windows. Taking care of these small issues can help prevent them from being marked as deficiencies.

• Clean the home thoroughly: A clean home signals proper maintenance. Vacuuming, dusting, and tidying up can enhance the inspector’s perception of the property.

• Prepare under-sink areas: Inspectors will check under kitchen and bathroom sinks but will not move personal items.

Ready the Exterior

• Trim bushes and trees away from the house and roof to help prevent potential deficiencies.

• Clear leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts.

HVAC and Plumbing Preparation

• Replace HVAC filters before the inspection.

• Remove stored items from around the furnace and water heater in the attic.

• Ensure all plumbing fixtures (sinks, tubs, showers) are free of personal items.

Additional Considerations

• If the home has been winterized, ensure it is de-winterized before the inspection. This includes turning on all water and gas valves.

• Remind homeowners that the inspector works for the buyer and cannot share findings with the seller unless there is an immediate safety concern, or a potential for damage to the house such as water in the emergency drain pan under the HVAC unit or a plumbing leak.

• Recommend that the seller vacates the property during the inspection to allow for an unbiased process.

For Buyer’s Agents:

Verify Property Readiness

• Confirm with the listing agent that all utilities are on.

• Ensure the seller has prepared the property as outlined above.

• If the property is vacant, verify access arrangements with the listing agent.

Set Expectations for Your Client

• Explain the importance of the inspection in the home-buying process.

• Prepare your buyer for the possibility of discovering issues, emphasizing that no home is perfect.

• Clarify that the home inspector provides an unbiased report but does not advise whether the buyer should proceed with the purchase.

• Outline the limitations of an inspection:

  • Inspectors cannot see through walls or predict future problems.

  • Inspections are not pass/fail; the report highlights concerns but is not a code compliance inspection.

  • While inspectors strive for thoroughness, not every issue may be detected.

  • Home systems will eventually fail—the inspector provides a snapshot of the home's current condition, not future performance predictions.

• If the client attends the inspection, allow the inspector to work without distractions to ensure a thorough evaluation.

By following these guidelines, you can help ensure a seamless home inspection process, showcasing your professionalism and commitment to your clients. A well-prepared property allows for a thorough evaluation, providing buyers and sellers in the Houston area with the critical insights they need.

Ready to schedule a home inspection? Contact ICON Inspection & Drone Services today at 281.793.3444 and let’s make the process smooth and stress-free!