Helping the Process

There's a few things the seller's agent can do that would help the home inspection process along. When the buyer has decided to have a home inspection, the seller should:

1. Make the attic entry accessible. If the entry is in a closet with clothes hanging up, the seller should remove the clothes so when the inspector opens the attic entry, the insulation doesn't come falling down onto the sellers clothes. In most cases the inspector is not allowed to remove the clothes due to insurance restrictions. If there are clothes hanging in the closet, the inspector may not be able to inspect this important area and have to make arrangments to return. Returning may make it necessary for an additional charge. No one wants that.

2. If the electrical panel is hidden behind some storage or shelving, the seller should make this area accessible. Make room to get to the panel. Again, if this important portion of the inspection is not accessible the inspector may have to make a return trip at an additional charge.

3. If there are pets still in the home, most inspectors would appreciate it if these pets are put in a kennel or caged. Even home inspectors don't want to be bitten or just as bad, let the pet outside when they enter the home. If there are cats in the home, we suggest the sellers notify the inspector by leaving a note that there are cats in the home. This way the inspector can look for the cats and be certain the pets aren't accidentally let outside.

4. When there is an alarm on, the seller's agent should let the buyers agent know ahead of time prior to the inspection. Home inspectors don't mind it when there is an alarm, they just do not want to set it off without knowing the code to shut it off.