Get Ready for a Home Inspection

St. Louis - On May 1st the new Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac Home Valuation Code of Conduct (HVCC) rules became effective for appraisers and lenders. The HVCC is a great step forward in establishing guidelines to allow the inspector to establish an accurate value of a property that lenders, buyers and sellers can trust. But there is more home owners can do to ensure their home receives a favorable evaluation.

Preparing the home for inspection is a critical step in the selling process. Owners not only have the opportunity to present their property in its best condition, but also to help prevent closing delays due to incomplete or repeated inspections. Once the appraisal process is completed, they are one crucial step closer to purchasing that new home when their home closes.

Here are the major points to consider in preparing a home for inspection:

Clean the house - It seems like a trivial thing, but an unkempt house gives the impression of uncaring owners and neglected regular maintenance. Owners should clean everything and make any necessary repairs well ahead of the inspection date.

Be on time to meet the inspector - Your inspector will be on time, and may even arrive early to start their exterior review of the property. Owners should schedule their property to be available a minimum of one-half hour before the set appointment time.

Keep utilities connected - Unoccupied or not, be sure all utilities are connected and all electrical and gas appliances are ready to run. For liability reasons, many inspectors will not ignite gas pilot lights in hot water heaters, stoves or furnaces. If they are not working an incomplete inspection is the result. Additional delays will ensue. Heating and cooling systems, plumbing, appliances, faucets, and electrical systems will all be tested and must be in good working order.

Provide access - Inspectors will need access to the basement and attic as well as all outbuildings and electrical boxes. The keys for garages and sheds must be made available. Make sure shrubbery doesn't impede access to sprinkler systems or the home's foundation.

Provide repair documents - Owners should collect all receipts and repair invoices for anything they have fixed in the home. This shows proof of upkeep and answers many questions an inspector may have.

Remove your pets and yourself - An inspection may take as long as three hours to complete. Owners must plan to leave their property and bring children, pets and other home occupants with them. Inspectors are often accompanied by buyers, and both will want uninhibited, free access to ask questions and explore the home.

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