How to Take the Stress Out of a Home Inspection: Think Like an Inspector

By Jennifer Herron Underwood, Realtor, Senior Real Estate Specialist

One of the most stressful parts of selling a home—especially for those who have lived in it for 15 years or more—is the home inspection.

Even when a homeowner has taken excellent care of their property, the idea of a stranger coming in with a checklist and a flashlight can be nerve-wracking. I’ve seen it countless times over the past 25 years: sellers worry that small issues might derail the deal or that they’ll be blindsided by unexpected repair requests.  Even when a home has been lovingly maintained, inspection day can feel like judgement day.  Here’s the truth: no home is perfect. Even new construction homes turn up items on inspection reports.

What I recommend to reduce that stress: Put on your home inspector hat.

Try looking at your home through an inspector’s eyes. It’s not about being critical — it’s about being prepared.

To help you do that, I’ve worked with a trusted local home inspector who shared with me an extensive checklist of what they look for when inspecting a home. The full list is quite detailed, but here’s a quick preview of some common items:

Mini Home Inspection Checklist:

• Check for water stains or signs of leaks on ceilings and walls

• Ensure all light switches and outlets work properly

• Make sure toilets flush, sinks drain well, and there are no visible plumbing leaks

• Confirm that windows and doors open, close, and lock easily

• Clean out gutters and downspouts

• Check your furnace and A/C filters and have systems serviced if needed

• Inspect caulking around tubs, showers, and windows

• Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors

This list alone can help you catch simple fixes ahead of time — and ease some of that inspection anxiety.

Want the full list?

Just give me a call at 440-371-2862 or email me at jenniferherron@howardhanna.com and I’ll be happy to send it your way!

Being proactive goes a long way in making inspection day feel less like a surprise test — and more like a formality.