You have decluttered the living room, staged the furniture, and accepted an offer. Congratulations! But before you can hand over the keys to your home in Saline or Bienville Parish, there is one major hurdle left: The Home Inspection.
For sellers, the inspection can be nerve-wracking. Will they find something wrong? Will the buyer ask for thousands of dollars in repairs? While no home is perfect, there are simple steps you can take to ensure your inspection goes smoothly and your sale stays on track.
Why Preparation Matters
Inspectors are trained to look for defects, but we also look for signs of maintenance. A well-maintained home inspires confidence in buyers. Conversely, if we see small signs of neglect—like burnt-out bulbs or dirty filters—buyers start to wonder what bigger issues are hiding.
Here is a checklist to help you “pass” your inspection with flying colors.
1. The “Five Dollar” Fixes
You would be amazed at how many “defects” on a report cost less than $5 to fix. Take care of these before we arrive so they don’t clutter up the report:
- Replace Burnt-Out Light Bulbs: If a light doesn’t turn on, we have to mark it as a potential electrical defect. Save the hassle and change the bulb.
- Change the HVAC Filter: A dirty air filter restricts airflow and makes the buyers think the furnace hasn’t been cared for.
- Test Smoke Detectors: Replace the batteries if they aren’t chirping.
- Tighten Doorknobs: Loose hardware makes a home feel flimsy. A quick turn of a screwdriver makes a big difference.
2. Clear the Way (Access is Key)
If an inspector cannot access an area, they cannot inspect it. This often raises a red flag for buyers, who may suspect you are hiding something.
- Unlock the Gates: Ensure we have access to the backyard, especially if you have pets.
- Clear the Electrical Panel: Remove boxes, shelving, or artwork blocking the breaker box.
- Attic & Crawlspace Access: Move clothes or storage boxes away from the scuttle holes.
- Under the Sink: Clear out the cleaning supplies under the kitchen and bathroom sinks so we can check the plumbing for leaks.
3. Exterior & Drainage
In North Louisiana, water management is critical. Walk around your house and check:
- Gutters: Are they full of leaves? Clean them out so we can see they are functional.
- Downspouts: Ensure they are diverting water away from the foundation, not pooling right next to it.
- Trim Back Vegetation: Tree branches shouldn’t be touching the roof, and bushes should be trimmed back from the AC unit to allow for airflow.
4. Consider a “Pre-Listing” Inspection
The best way to avoid surprises? inspecting the home yourself before you even list it.
A Pre-Listing Inspection from Fontenot Home Inspection gives you the upper hand. You can identify repairs and fix them on your own schedule (and budget) rather than frantically negotiating with a buyer at the last minute. It also allows you to price your home more accurately.
Sell with Confidence
Whether you need a pre-listing inspection or just want to ensure your home is ready for market, we are here to help.
Contact Fontenot Home Inspection
📍 Helping Sellers in Saline & Bienville Parish
📞 +1 318-436-4662
🌐 Book a Pre-Listing Inspection