3 Things Sellers Should Do Before a Home Inspection

By Nick Waldner

Nick started and leads the #1 KW Team in all of Maryland and DC, selling over 400 homes a year! With 20+ years in the industry, he is the leading expert in Maryland!

Have you just received an offer on your home and suddenly felt that knot in your stomach? That’s exactly how many sellers feel when a home inspection is coming up. I get it, it’s normal to worry. One inspection can make or break a deal.

Why home inspections can feel scary. I see this all the time: home inspections cause stress because they are one of the biggest contingencies in selling a home. I had a client who lost a sale in Texas because of an electrical issue they hadn’t addressed. The deal fell through, and they had to go back on the market. Watching that happen reinforced for me how important preparation is.

I want you to enter the inspection process knowing you’ve done everything possible to prevent surprises. Here are the ways you can prepare to pass a home inspection.

1. Focus on “The Big Five”. I like to think of home inspections like going on a safari; you need to know the big five. In real estate, the “big five” are:

1. Roof
2. HVAC system
3. Plumbing
4. Electrical systems
5. Foundation

These are the areas inspectors are trained to look at closely. Always make sure to pay attention to these first. When the big five are in good condition, it’s the first step to passing a home inspection with confidence.

Before listing a home, I often suggest a pre-inspection. I personally go through all the major systems with the inspector, including minor things like leaky faucets or missing outlet covers. This gives me a chance to fix issues before the home officially hits the market.

Pre-inspections also protect against latent defects, issues I already know about but haven’t fixed yet. For example, if the roof is leaking but I choose not to repair it, I have to disclose it. If I fix it ahead of time, there’s nothing for the inspector to flag, and the deal can move forward smoothly.

2. Make sure inspectors have room to work. A mistake I often see is clutter around mechanical areas: HVAC systems, water heaters, or electrical panels. Always make sure to clear those spaces. Inspectors need access, and if they can’t see something, they may write “unable to view,” which can complicate the process. I personally walk through these areas to make sure everything is ready for inspection.

3. Handle known issues before the inspection. Even after a pre-inspection, make sure to fix any known issues ahead of time, such as a cracked window, a non-working GFCI outlet, or other minor repairs. Taking care of these items early makes the inspection smoother and reassures buyers that the home is well-maintained.

Passing a home inspection is not about praying; it’s about preparation. Think about yourself in the buyer’s shoes. Buyers are excited to move in, but they also have fears. When you prepare the home and make it easy for the inspector to do their job, the buyers stay excited, the deal moves forward, and everyone is happy.

A little preparation goes a long way. Focusing on the big five, conducting a pre-inspection, granting inspectors access, and addressing known issues before the inspection removes stress and ensures a smooth process.

If you’re looking for guidance on preparing your home for inspection or selling it, reach out anytime at (410) 505-8268 or Nick@WaldnerWintersTeam.com. I work with people just like you every day to buy and sell homes, and I’d be happy to help.