Speed up your home sale by preparing your home ahead of time using the following tips Your home inspection will go smoother with fewer concerns to delay closing
Confirm that the water, electrical and gas services are turned on
Make sure your pets won't hinder your home inspection. Ideally, they should be secured somewhere safe and out of the way, for their protection and to minimize distractions
Replace burned-out light bulbs to avoid a "light is inoperable" report that may suggest an electrical problem
Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and replace dead batteries
Remove stored items, debris and wood from foundation, as these may be cited as "conductive conditions" for wood destroying insects
Remove items blocking access to HVAC equipment, electrical service panels, water heater, attic and crawlspace
Unlock any locked areas that the home inspector must access, such as attic door or hatch, door to basement, and exterior gates
Trim tree limbs so that they're at least 10ft away from the roof, and trim any shrubs close enough to the house to hide pests or hold moisture against exterior
Repair or replace broken or missing items, such as door knobs, locks or latches, windowpanes or screens, gutters or downspouts, or chimney caps
Clean or replace dirty HVAC air filters. They should fit properly