Are you planning to put your home on the market? If so, you are probably focused on tidying up, meeting with real estate agents, and making moving arrangements. All of these steps are essential to a successful home sale, but there is one more step you don't want to skip: preparing for the inspection. A serious buyer usually wants to have the home inspected before finalizing their offer. So, how do you make sure your home receives a rave review? Our real estate agents are excited to share a few top tips below.

• Inspect Your Siding and Trim
  While inspectors don't care much about landscaping or curb appeal, it is a good idea to tidy up your garden beds and trim back weeds before listing your home. As you do so, take a good look at the siding and trim. If you spot any cracked or damaged siding, have it replaced ASAP. Damaged siding can lead to water damage, so an inspector will definitely point it out.
  
  
• Try Your Window and Door Locks and Latches
  Open, close, lock, and unlock all of your windows and doors. If there are any windows that don't latch or lock, contact a window company to have them repaired. Similarly, you may need to replace the locks or knobs on any doors that don't close and lock securely.
  
  
• Clean the Gutters
  Climb up on a ladder, put a glove on your hand, and scoop any debris out of your gutters. This makes it easier for an inspector to check the gutters for leaks and damage. Clean gutters also signal to an inspector that you take good care of your roof. Since the roof is one of the most expensive parts of a home to replace, a well-cared-for roof and clean gutters will earn you "brownie points" in an inspection.
  
  
• Check the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
  Working smoke and CO detectors are a matter of safety. Make sure all of yours work. If they are past the date printed on the back, replace them before listing your home. If it has been more than 6 months since you last changed your smoke and CO detector batteries, do it now.
  
  
• Examine Your Attic Insulation
  Attic insulation keeps energy bills in check, and it also protects your roof. If the insulation in your attic looks discolored, compacted, or otherwise in poor condition, replace it. Fiberglass batt insulation is relatively affordable, and you can unroll it yourself. Make sure you wear long sleeves and a face mask to protect yourself from the itchy fiberglass shreds.
  
  
• Clean Your Drains
  A slow drain may make the inspector worry that there's a clog or potential blockage in your pipes. So, take the time to plunge each of your drains and get them flowing well. You can also pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down each drain to clear out grime safely.
  
  
• Change Your Air Filter
  Put a new air filter in your HVAC system. This shows the inspector that you take good care of your furnace and air conditioner. While you're at it, you may also want to vacuum or wipe down any dusty vents.
  
  
• Label the Circuit Breakers
  This makes it easier for the inspector to make sure all circuits are connected and working. You can use tape or white stickers to label each breaker in your box.

Follow these tips, and you'll be well-prepared for your home inspection. Don't hesitate to contact us if you're still looking for Central Florida real estate agents to assist with your sale.