If you’ve finally decided that it is time to sell your home in Phoenix, then you’ve come to the right place. Unfortunately, if you don’t know what kind of condition your home is in, you may run into some speedbumps during the process.
Compensating for a less-than-perfect home condition typically means adjusting and lowering the listing price. Plus, when the buyer inevitably requests a home inspection checklist, it may uncover some larger problems that equate to a loss on your part.
Sellers will often have inspections done prior to listing their homes. It’s not as unusual as many think. You might even decide to perform any necessary repairs or renovations prior to listing your home.
Yes, you could pay for an inspector to come out and perform an inspection for you, but why not save a bit of money and do it on your own by following these simple steps?
Browse the Outside of Your Property
Not sure where to start your home inspection checklist? Maybe the outside where nothing can hide! It’s your job to make sure that the area surrounding your home is in good condition. Your curb appeal must be strong, as it provides buyers with a first impression. Check for things like:
- Overgrown Foliage – If any bushes or trees are overgrown or touching the home, you might need to trim them back
- Standing Water – Always make sure you have proper drainage, especially if you live in a wet climate.
- Concrete Cracks – Check to see if there are any cracks in the concrete foundation around your house, a well as the driveway or other walkways
- Rot – Inspect your decking, fencing, or any major wood elements around your home to see if you can find rot.
A Deeper Look At The Exterior
When checking around the outside of your home, make sure to look for certain deformities such as:
- Roof Damage – Roof damage can be an expensive fix. If you have missing shingles of fascia damage, you may need to repair before listing to get the best price.
- Siding or Stucco Damage – Check for cracks or decay along the exterior construction.
- Clogged Gutters – If your gutters are clogged, you might consider getting them cleaned prior to listing.
Heading Indoors
When inspecting the interior of your home, it is best to start at the top and work your way to the bottom, starting with your attic and ending with your basement if you have one.
You can check for certain things in the attic such as:
- Insect or rodent infestation
- Standing water
- Insulation damage
- Vent damage
- Frayed electrical wires
Once done checking the attic, look throughout the other rooms in your home for things like:
- Broken or out-of-date smoke detectors or carbon monoxide
- Bad vent airflow
- Stains, chips, or cracks on the floors, walls, or ceilings
People often find the worst problems in their bathrooms and kitchens. When inspecting these areas, look for specific problems like:
- Broken exhaust fans
- Leaking pips
- Damaged drawers or cabinets
- Poor water pressure
- Caulking damage
Once you’ve performed your home inspection checklist, certain fixes might reveal themselves. It is always a good idea to start with structural issues or any issues that break safety codes.
If you don’t have the time or money to repair and renovate your home to get it up to snuff, you may consider selling to a company like EZ Max Offer. You can sell your home in Arizona in ‘as-is’ condition for fair-market value, never having to worry about repairs or renovations!
