Five home seller tips to get ready for an inspection

A home inspection checklist is essential when selling a home. While the inspection is an important part of the home buying process, it is equally as important for sellers to also prepare. What can you do as a seller to help the inspection process go smoothly? Here are five top tips from Realtor.com to keep in mind:

• De-clutter. You’ll want to make sure the inspector can easily access the area beneath your bathroom and kitchen sinks and the areas around your hot water heater, furnace and any major appliances.
• Clean your home. A clean and tidy home makes a better impression than one that’s a mess.

• Provide paperwork. Create a file detailing all maintenance and repairs you’ve completed on your home over the years, including any inspections of important components such as your furnace or chimney.
• Provide access. Make sure your inspector can get into any locked rooms or exterior storage buildings as well as the attic or other storage areas.
• Leave your home. Inspectors find it easier to do their work with the homeowners, children and pets around.