The Home Inspection Is Coming — Hide the Scented Candles and Breathe
Now that your home is under contract... it’s time for every seller’s favorite part: the home inspection.
Or as I like to call it:
“The buyer’s licensed opportunity to freak out.”
If this is your first rodeo, buckle up. Here's what to expect when your house gets poked, prodded, climbed on, crawled under, and possibly judged by someone with a flashlight and a clipboard.
What Happens During a Home Inspection?
A licensed inspector shows up (usually within 3–7 days of going under contract), armed with tools, checklists, and the energy of someone who just drank two Red Bulls and watched an episode of CSI: Suburbia.
They’ll check:
Roof & attic
HVAC
Electrical & plumbing
Appliances
Crawl spaces (yes, they go under your house)
…and your toilet flushes. Repeatedly.
They’re not trying to “fail” your house. They’re just hunting for surprises. The kind that could turn into money pits.
What You Should Do Before the Inspection
✅ Make sure utilities are on (water, gas, electric).
✅ Replace any burnt-out bulbs (they’ll assume it’s faulty wiring).
✅ Unlock gates, attics, garages — if they can’t access it, it gets flagged.
✅ Clean the place. No, it’s not a showing — but perception still matters.
And please, for the love of all things holy...
Don’t try to “cover” stuff.
That vanilla-glade-scented candle in the bathroom just makes them suspicious. What are you hiding? A mildew colony?
Should You Stay or Should You Go?
Go. Always go.
Nothing makes a buyer more nervous than a seller hovering in the corner like a ghost who forgot they listed their home.
Besides, the inspector will feel awkward. You’ll feel awkward. Everyone will try to pretend the attic ladder isn’t terrifying. Just… leave.
Common Seller Freak-Out Moments
"They said the GFCI outlet isn’t grounded!"
➤ That’s a $12 fix. Breathe."They found a leak under the sink!"
➤ Welcome to plumbing. That’s what plumbers are for."They’re bringing in a roofer, an electrician, and a guy named Bobby who 'knows water lines'!"
➤ Totally normal. Deep breaths.
Final Pro Tips
Most buyers just want peace of mind, not perfection.
Expect a repair request — but remember, you can negotiate.
Uber Realty will help you sort what’s real and what’s buyer panic.
In Summary
Your home’s not being put on trial — it’s just having its annual physical, courtesy of the buyer’s paranoia. Stay calm, be prepared, and call us if you need help interpreting the inspection drama.
We’ve seen it all. Yes, even the guy who flagged “peeling paint on a shed” as a safety hazard.
Q&A Section
Q: Do I need to be present for the buyer’s home inspection?
A: Nope. In fact, it’s better if you’re not. The inspector and buyer need space to talk freely, and your presence can make things awkward.
Q: Should I make repairs before the inspection?
A: Small stuff, yes. Big unknowns? Let’s talk. Some repairs are better handled after negotiations.
Q: What if the inspection reveals something major?
A: Don’t panic. We’ll go over your options, whether that’s fixing it, offering a credit, or pushing back.
