I don't know a single homeowner who likes the idea of a stranger going through their most treasured possession with the intention of finding problem areas, but that is the reality of a home inspection. The home inspector has a blank home inspection report with a checklist of items they look for in your home, and then submit their findings to the buyer. The buyer will take those findings and decide whether or not they want to ask you to fix certain things.

Inspect FIRST

Being proactive goes a long ways towards a positive inspection. Before you list your home, it’s a good idea to hire a home inspector yourself to come and check out your place. Make sure you hire a very thorough inspector for the best feedback. There are two main benefits to completing your own inspection: First, you can head off any significant problems at the pass. Regardless of who buys your home, if there are major issues that need to be addressed, and you weren't aware of them, you might as well know what they are upfront. You can decide whether you will address them then...and not when you are already 20 days into a contract and your home has been "off the market." Those are the times when sellers are likely to make impulsive decisions. You always want to provide a thorough disclosure to buyers. Second, your home will be that much more ready for a buyer. Buyers are turned off by surprises, and the last thing you want is a buyer jumping ship because of certain issues they were unprepared for. When you inspect first, everyone wins.

Reaction Time

As a seller, the worst thing you can do during this process is to overreact to the findings of the inspection report. You have lived in your home for a certain period of time and may not realize some of the issues that currently exist. You haven't had any problems and don't see why, for example, adding a vapor barrier in your crawl space is necessary. No matter the issue, the reason it is necessary is because the buyer thinks it is important. Try putting yourself in the buyer’s position (where you might be anyway if you’re already out there looking for a replacement home); you have at least been a buyer at one point or another if you own the home you are selling. As a buyer, you don't want to have to spend time worrying about certain things right after you invest all this money on a new home, and you want to maximize your investment upfront. Maybe, as a buyer, your lender is requiring certain things be done in order for them to accept and fund the loan. Regardless of the reason, your ultimate goal is to sell the home. Don't let personal biases towards your home cloud your judgment.

Right of Refusal

You have the ultimate say in what does or doesn’t happen to your home. Figure out how much will be involved in resolving the issues, and then make a decision. Make sure you understand what you are accepting or refusing to address before you decide for sure. Speak with the home inspector or a contractor to educate yourself on the issues at hand. Don't be bullied into making a decision you may regret. Knowledge is power!

Surviving the home inspection is easier than most people think. By inspecting first, you will be prepared for most issues that come up beforehand. Keeping your emotions in check will help you stay in control of the situation. Making sure you understand what is involved in doing the work requested will ensure you make informed decisions. If you manage to do these three things, not only will you survive the home inspection, the sale of your home will go much more smoothly!