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Sellers Should Prepare For The Home Inspection

As a home Seller, it is in your best interests to take some time preparing your house for the home inspection.  By spending a weekend, working through a home maintenance checklist, you will minimize the number of deficiencies the inspector will find, thereby reducing the length of the Buyer’s  Request For Repairs.  Even in a Seller’s market, as we are in now, a little pre sales effort will pay you dividends which will exceed your expenditure in time and money.

Here is our list of recommended maintenance items to review:

Check beneath kitchen and bathroom sinks for leaks.

Check dishwasher and clothes  washing machine for leaks.

Check refrigerator icemaker connections for leaks.

Check water heater for leaks or corrosion.

Check for proper clothes dryer exhaust venting:

Ensure no kinks in flex line/no build up at exterior vent.

Clean and/or replace the range hood filter(s).

Check and replace HVAC air filters if needed,

Inspect shower doors for proper operation and lubricate all movable parts with a silicone lubricant.

Test all smoke and Carbon Monoxide detectors,

Vacuum openings and change batteries.

Check all windows and patio doors to see if they open and close smoothly.

Clean tracks and hinges and lubricate with a dry silicone lubricant.

Check and clear window weep holes of dirt and debris.

Apply a light coat of furniture polish to natural wood cabinets.

Check hinges and drawer pulls, tighten screws if needed.

Inspect the caulking of tubs, showers, plumbing fixtures, toilets, sinks and all countertops for       cracks and separations. Apply caulking or other forms of sealant as needed.

Inspect all rain gutters for debris and clogs. Remove debris and flush with water hose.

Inspect attic vents for damaged screens. Make certain downspouts are pointed away from the foundation.

Have the HVAC compressor, motor, refrigerant levels, and other heating and air conditioning components inspected by a licensed HVAC contractor.

Test all GFCI’s to ensure that both test button and reset work properly.

Inspect and clean all exhaust fans.

Check roof for any broken, loose or missing tiles or shingles.

Check the operation of all interior and exterior doors and, if necessary, tighten any loose

 hardware;  adjust and lubricate the hinges with a dry silicone lubricant. Check weather seals.

 Check washing machine hoses and replace if there are signs of leaks..

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