Home Inspection Tips for FSBO Sellers

Navigate the Process Like a Pro

Selling your home without an agent is like captaining your own ship. The waters can be unpredictable, but with the right preparation, you can sail smoothly through one of the most crucial parts of the process—the home inspection. This step can either reaffirm your asking price or send buyers back to the negotiation table. The key? Being proactive, not reactive.

As Peter Drucker once said, “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” By taking control and addressing potential concerns before they surface, you can avoid unpleasant surprises and ensure your home inspection supports a successful sale.

Preparing Your Home for Inspection

Think of a home inspection as a buyer’s final test drive before committing to the purchase. To pass with flying colors, follow these essential steps:

1. Get a Pre-Listing Inspection

Would you take a ship to sea without first checking its condition? A pre-listing inspection acts as your dry dock check, identifying any potential deal-breakers before a buyer’s inspector does. Addressing issues upfront gives you time to fix them on your terms rather than being forced into costly, last-minute negotiations.

2. Clean and Declutter

A tidy home doesn’t just impress potential buyers—it makes the inspector’s job easier. Ensure easy access to major systems like the HVAC unit, electrical panel, water heater, and attic. If an inspector can’t reach an area, they’ll flag it in their report, potentially raising red flags for buyers.

3. Check the Exterior

Curb appeal matters, but so does structural integrity. Before the inspection:

• Trim overgrown bushes
• Clear debris from gutters
• Check for peeling paint, cracked siding, or foundation issues
• Ensure there are no signs of water damage

A well-maintained exterior signals to buyers that the home has been cared for.

4. Ensure Utilities Are On

Even if your home is vacant, all utilities should be connected and functioning. Inspectors need to test appliances, plumbing, heating, and electrical systems. If they can’t confirm that everything works properly, it may result in delays or additional inspections.

5. Provide Full Access

Unlock all areas, including:

✔ Attic

✔ Basement

✔ Garage

✔ Electrical boxes

✔ Crawl spaces

✔ Any sheds or additional structures on the property

An inspector who can’t assess a part of the home may mark it as “inaccessible,” which could create doubt in the buyer’s mind.

Avoiding Last-Minute Surprises

Despite preparation, unexpected issues may still occur. However, you can reduce potential difficulties by adhering to these best practices.:

Don’t Hover

It’s tempting to follow the inspector around, ready to explain every detail about your home. Resist the urge. Buyers often attend inspections, and your presence might make them hesitant to ask questions or voice concerns. Instead, give the inspector space to conduct a thorough evaluation.

Fix Obvious Issues

Some repairs are low-cost but high-impact when it comes to first impressions. Before your inspection:

✅ Replace burned-out light bulbs

✅ Repair leaky faucets

✅ Patch small drywall holes

✅ Tighten loose handrails

✅ Lubricate squeaky doors

These quick fixes show buyers that the home has been well cared for, reducing their concerns about hidden maintenance issues.

Prioritize Safety

Ensure that all safety features in your home are up to code:

🔹 Smoke detectors – Test and replace batteries if needed

🔹 Carbon monoxide alarms – Install if required

🔹 GFCI outlets – Ensure they are functional in bathrooms and kitchens

🔹 Handrails and stairways – Confirm they’re secure and meet local regulations

A house that feels safe instills confidence in buyers, making them more likely to move forward with the purchase.

A Smart Move

Protecting Your Home with a Home Warranty

While a home inspection may reveal no immediate issues, it’s important to be aware that unexpected repairs can still arise at any stage of the buying process—before, during, or after the sale. Being prepared for unforeseen repairs will help ensure that your investment remains secure and protected. One of the best ways to safeguard your budget and reduce stress as an FSBO seller is by investing in a Home Warranty Service Agreement. This affordable protection plan covers the repair or replacement of major home systems and appliances due to normal wear and tear—offering reassurance to both you and potential buyers.

A home warranty isn’t just a safety net—it’s a powerful selling tool. Buyers feel more confident knowing they won’t face surprise expenses right after moving in, making your home stand out in a competitive market. Plus, by addressing costly post-sale disputes, a home warranty helps reduce negotiations and increases the likelihood of a smoother closing.

Protect your home, your sale, and your peace of mind. Contact Brad Link, Account Executive at 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty®, at blink@2-10.com or 540-621-4114, and learn how a home warranty can add value to your FSBO sale today.

Learn more here.

Final Thoughts

Set sail with confidence. Selling your home FSBO doesn’t have to be stressful—knowledge is power. By taking a proactive approach, fixing small problems before they become major issues, and making your home inspector-friendly, you increase the chances of a smooth transaction.

If you’re ready to set sail on your FSBO journey, I’m here to help. For personalized guidance and expert real estate advice, contact Michael Brannon, REALTOR® at AtHomeontheHillsinVA.com. Let’s make sure your home-selling experience is smooth sailing from start to finish! ⛵🏡