A home inspection is one of the most vital parts of selling and buying a home. Buyers want to make sure the roof won’t leak and all of the plumbing works properly. Sellers want to catch any problems that will potentially bring down the value of the house or will turn buyers away. This is where a home inspection comes in. When you get the inspector’s report back, are there some things you have to fix before putting your home on the market? Absolutely.

Any home buyer that is serious about purchasing your home will have a home inspection performed before closing to get the full idea of the condition of the house. Any flaws or needed fixes will be used at the negotiating table to get a better price. As a seller, it makes sense to get a home inspection before listing your home. This way, you can make all of the necessary fixes before any potential buyers will see it. This has two benefits:

• Buyers like seeing a home with a bunch of recent fixes. You won’t recoup the entire cost of most major fixes, but buyers will be less likely to negotiate the price down because they don’t have to make the fixes themselves
• You can disclose that there was a home inspection recently by “ABC Home inspections” and provide receipts and warranty information to the buyers and their agent. This transparency will make the buyers more confident in their choice.

If the home inspector gives you a long list, what is mandatory or most imperative that you fix first?

Here is what to focus on.

Check local laws and regulations first

Some cities and states require particular fixes to be made before a home can sell. Bent Nail Inspections in Boise, Idaho has a checklist and informational video about Idaho home inspection laws. In addition, inspectors will check that all additions to the house were built to code and with a permit. The inspection starts by checking the structure of the house (foundation, walls, roof, and ceilings. These are the most important items to fix. If there is a problem with any of these, the house is not safe to live in. Following that are exterior, plumbing, electrical, and home systems. Read more detail on the Bent Nail Inspection page.

What does the lender require?

Many mortgage lenders require home inspections on government-backed loans. The house must meet specific safety standards, and any problems must be fixed before closing can happen. This inspection will likely coincide with a home appraisal so the lender can get a clear picture of how much money they are loaning to the buyer. The most common safety and livability issues lenders look for are:

• Lead-based paint
• Mold
• Ungrounded electrical outlets
• Roof integrity
• Inefficient or malfunctioning septic and plumbing systems
• Contaminated water
• Heater issues or lack of heat

It is up to the buyer and seller to negotiate who will pay to fix any issues that arise (if any). But the details must be worked out before the lender will release the funds to the seller.

What does the purchase agreement stipulate?

Purchase agreements usually contain a home inspection contingency that gives buyers a way to back out of the contract if a problem arises from the home inspection. The most common examples are if the roof or foundation needs to be repaired. The buyers have the option to negotiate for a lower price to offset the cost of the fixes. The seller can negotiate or sell the home “as-is”, but this could jeopardize the sale. If a deal can’t be reached, the buyers can back out of the sale.

More for buyers: How to negotiate home inspection repairs

More for sellers: How to find a good home inspector in Idaho

Another for sellers: Follow these tips to prepare your home for a home inspection