Ten Tips to Speed Up Your Home Inspection

Sellers can speed their home inspection by following these suggestions. The inspection will go smoother, with fewer concerns to delay closing.

1 Confirm that water, electric and gas service are on, with gas pilot lights burning.
2 Ensure pets won't hinder the inspection. Ideally, they should be removed from premises or secured outside. Tell your agent about any pets at home.
3 Replace burned out bulbs to avoid a "Light is inoperable" report that may suggest an electrical problem.
4 Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and replace dead batteries.
5 Clean or replace dirty HVAC air filters. They should fit securely.

6 Remove stored items, debris and wood from foundation. These may be cited as "conducive conditions" for termites.
7 Remove items blocking access to HVAC equipment, electric service panels, water heaters, attics and crawl spaces.
8 Unlock areas the inspector must access - attic doors or hatches, electric service panels, closets, fence gates and crawl spaces.
9 Trim tree limbs to 10' from the roof and shrubs from the house to allow access.
10 Attend to broken or missing items like doorknobs, locks and latches; windowpanes, screens and locks; gutters, downspouts and chimney caps.

Checking these areas before your home inspection is an investment in selling your property. Your real estate agent will thank you!