What to Expect During a Home Inspection: Seller’s FAQ

1. What is a home inspection?
   A home inspection is a thorough examination of your property by a licensed inspector, typically requested by the buyer, to identify potential issues before closing.

2. How long does a home inspection take?
   Most inspections last 2-4 hours, depending on the size and condition of the home.

3. Do I need to leave my home during the inspection?
   No. Althought sellers may attend the home inspection it is standard practice for the seller to vacate the property to allow the buyer, their agent, and the inspector to work without interruptions.

4. What does the inspector check?
   Inspectors evaluate major systems (plumbing, electrical, HVAC), the roof, foundation, windows, doors, and more. They will also test appliances and look for safety concerns like mold or structural issues.

5. What should I do to prepare for the inspection?

   • Ensure all areas are accessible (attic, basement, crawl space).
   • Replace burnt-out lightbulbs and test smoke alarms.
   • Clean up and declutter to show you’ve maintained the home well.

6. What happens if the inspector finds issues?
   The buyer may request repairs, negotiate a price adjustment, or ask for a credit at closing. Keep in mind, not all findings require action, as minor wear and tear is common.

7. Should I repair issues before the inspection?
   Addressing obvious repairs beforehand (like leaky faucets or broken fixtures) can leave a positive impression and prevent minor issues from becoming negotiation points.

8. Will the inspector's findings affect the sale?
   Potentially, but it depends on the severity of the issues. Many buyers are open to resolving inspection findings through negotiation rather than canceling the deal. 

9. Who pays for the inspection?
   The buyer typically covers the cost of the home inspection, but sellers may choose to pay for a pre-listing inspection to identify and fix issues early.

10. Can I see the inspection report?
    Yes, the seller is entitled to a copy of the Inspection Reports.

11. What are the most common inspections the buyer may research?
    Majority of buyers will opt to have a General inspection performed on the property. They may also elect to have the property looked at for Wood Destroying Insects, and Radon. If the property has a well and septic the buyer may also opt to have he well water tested to ensure there is no bacteria and an inspection on the septic system. 

12.  Are there any costs to me for inspections? If the buyer has a septic inspection done the PA State Sales agreement says that the seller will at their expense pay for the septic to be pumped. Important to note is that the pumping of the septic tank should not occue prior to the septic inspection.