Seller's Guide to a Smooth Home Inspection

You've accepted an offer — congratulations! But before you get to the closing table, your buyer will be scheduling a home inspection. Here's something most sellers don't realize: how well you prepare for that inspection can directly impact your bottom line.

A little effort before the inspector arrives can prevent unnecessary repair requests, keep the deal on track, and give your buyer confidence in the home they're purchasing. Think of it as your last chance to put your best foot forward.

The good news? Most of this prep list is simple, low-cost, and completely within your control.

Why Preparation Matters

Inspectors document everything they find — including things that are easy fixes but look concerning in a report. A burned-out light bulb, for example, gets noted as a "failed fixture" if the inspector can't verify it's simply the bulb. A blocked water heater becomes an accessibility concern. Small oversights can snowball into a repair list that costs you in negotiations.

Preparing your home well signals to the buyer that the home has been cared for — and that goes a long way toward keeping confidence (and the deal) intact.

UTILITIES & OPERATIONS

If the home is vacant, these steps are especially critical — but they apply to occupied homes too.

• Ensure water, electric, and gas are all turned on and fully operational.

• Check that thermostat batteries are working so the HVAC system can be tested.

• Replace any burned-out light bulbs — a simple fix that prevents unnecessary flags in the report.

• Place all remotes in plain view: ceiling fans, gas fireplaces, garage doors.

• Remove anything stored in the oven — inspectors will run it, and flammable items are a safety concern.

• Confirm gas or electric fireplaces are operational and ready to be tested.

ACCESSIBILITY

Inspectors are required to evaluate certain systems — if they can't access them, they'll note it, and that becomes a problem. Clear the path to:

• Furnace, water heater, water softener, and electric panel

• Sump pump

• Attic access panels — remove any clothing, boxes, or stored items blocking entry

• Confirm all staircases have handrails installed — this is a commonly flagged safety item

SAFETY DEVICES

This section matters for two reasons: it's required by Wisconsin law, and failing safety device checks is an easy way to generate legitimate defect items that buyers can negotiate on. Take care of these before the inspector ever arrives.

Smoke Detectors:

• Test every smoke detector and replace batteries or the unit itself if it doesn't beep.

• Wisconsin law requires at least one smoke detector on every level of the home, including the basement and any finished attic.

• Homes built after December 1, 1994 require a separate detector in each sleeping area.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors:

• Test every CO detector and replace batteries or the unit if needed.

• Wisconsin law requires a detector within 21 feet of all sleeping areas, with at least one per level — including the basement and finished attic.

Taking 20 minutes to address these items can prevent them from appearing as defects on the inspection report entirely.

ELECTRICAL & GENERAL REPAIRS

These are the kinds of small items that are inexpensive to fix but look worse on paper than they are in reality. Getting ahead of them is worth it.

• Install any missing switch plates, outlet covers, and electrical box covers — these are consistently flagged and equally easy to fix.

• Walk through your home with fresh eyes and address any damaged or non-operational items you've been meaning to get to. If you've noticed it, the inspector will too.

PETS

• If you have a dog, arrange for them to be kenneled or removed from the home for the duration of the inspection.

• This keeps the inspector comfortable, the process uninterrupted, and avoids any liability concerns.

The Bottom Line

A well-prepared home inspects better — it's that simple. Buyers and their agents notice when a seller has taken care of a home, and that impression carries real weight in how the inspection results are received and negotiated.

You don't need a perfect home. You just need a prepared one.

Questions about getting your home ready to sell? Reach out — I'll walk you through every step.