🏡 Want to Get the Most Out of Your Home Inspection? Here’s How! 🔎

A home inspection is one of the most important steps in buying or selling a home. It gives buyers a clear picture of the home’s condition and helps sellers avoid surprises that could delay or derail a sale. But how can you make the most of your inspection?

We sat down with Gus Guzman, owner of Atta-Boy Property Inspections, to break down how buyers and sellers can be more involved in the inspection process—ensuring a smoother transaction and fewer headaches down the road.

For Buyers: Be Present & Ask the Right Questions

A home inspection is your opportunity to understand the home beyond what’s visible in a showing. Being proactive can help you make an informed decision and avoid unexpected repair costs later.

1. Attend the Inspection

📌 Why? Seeing potential issues firsthand is much more valuable than reading about them in a report.

📌 What to Do:

• •Walk through the property with the inspector.
• •Pay attention to major systems like the roof, electrical, plumbing, and foundation.
• •Take notes and ask questions!

2. Ask About the Home’s Major Systems

🔎 Key Questions to Ask:

• ✅ What is the age and condition of the roof, furnace, water heater, and electrical panel?
• ✅ Are there any immediate safety concerns that need urgent attention?
• ✅ What maintenance will be needed in the next 5 years?

3. Read the Full Report—Not Just the Summary

📝 The report will categorize findings into:

• •Minor issues that are routine maintenance.
• •Major concerns that may require repairs or negotiation.
• •Safety hazards that should be addressed ASAP.

💡 Pro Tip: Use your report as a home maintenance checklist even after you move in!

For Sellers: Prepare Your Home to Avoid Delays

A smooth home inspection can help prevent buyer hesitation, renegotiations, or even a deal falling apart. Sellers can take steps before the inspection to make the process easier and improve their home’s presentation.

1. Fix Minor Issues Beforehand

🏡 Small, easy repairs can make a big difference! Addressing minor issues ahead of time can prevent buyers from feeling overwhelmed by a long list of findings.

🔧 Simple Fixes to Consider:

• ✔️ Tighten loose handrails or steps.
• ✔️ Replace missing or non-functional smoke detectors.
• ✔️ Fix leaky faucets or running toilets.
• ✔️ Change HVAC filters for better efficiency.

2. Make the Home Accessible

🚪 Ensure the inspector can access all areas of the home, including:

• •Attics & Crawlspaces (remove storage blocking entry points).
• • Electrical Panels & Furnace Rooms (unlock doors if needed).
• •Exterior Drainage & Roof Access (clear debris from gutters).

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re worried about potential issues, consider getting a pre-listing inspection to address concerns in advance.

How Buyers & Sellers Can Work Together for a Smooth Inspection

A home inspection doesn’t have to be stressful! Buyers and sellers can work together to ensure the process is transparent, efficient, and beneficial for both sides.

🤝 Key Takeaways:

• ✅ Buyers should attend, ask questions, and prioritize major concerns.
• ✅ Sellers should prepare their home, fix minor issues, and allow full access.
• ✅ Both parties should communicate openly to avoid last-minute surprises.

🏡 Thinking of buying or selling? A professional home inspection helps ensure a smart, stress-free transaction.