All your pre-sale tasks are finally done — the home is clean, staged, and your RealtorⓇ is lining up the marketing strategy. It’s officially go-time! But before those buyer showings turn into serious offers, now’s the perfect moment to think ahead to the home inspection process.

While a home inspection doesn’t technically come with a “pass or fail,” it can become a major roadblock if you haven’t tackled basic repairs and maintenance. A good-looking home is only half the battle — what’s behind the walls (and under the sink) matters just as much.

Here’s a 2025-ready checklist to help you avoid costly surprises:

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🔍 2025 Home Inspection Prep Checklist

🐜 1. Inspect for Pest Damage or Infestation

Rodents, termites, or other pests can cause serious structural and health issues — and you might not even know they’re there. Book a professional pest inspection to ensure your home is critter-free before potential buyers find out the hard way.

🚰 2. Look for Leaks and Plumbing Issues

Turn on every faucet and check under sinks for drips. Test toilets for running water and make sure all drains flow smoothly. Even small plumbing issues can raise red flags for inspectors.

🌫️ 3. Check for Mold and Mildew

Inspect dark, damp areas like the attic, crawl spaces, and basement for any signs of mold or mildew. Look especially at the underside of the roof. Addressing moisture issues now prevents a major inspection hang-up later.

🏚️ 4. Examine Your Roof

From the ground or using a drone (a service many inspectors and roofers now offer in 2025), look for missing shingles, sagging areas, or other damage. If your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, be prepared to address it in negotiations.

❄️ 5. Service the HVAC System

Your heating and cooling system should be in good working order. Schedule a professional HVAC inspection and cleaning. This is often a line item on inspection reports, so having documentation of a recent service can offer buyers peace of mind.

💡 6. Replace Burned-Out Bulbs

Yes, really. If a light doesn’t turn on during the inspection, the inspector may flag it as a possible electrical issue. Replace any missing or dead bulbs so every switch and fixture functions properly.

🪟 7. Repair Window Cracks and Drafts

Check window sills for cracks and ensure windows open, close, and lock smoothly. Leaky or damaged windows are often noted in inspections and can be a concern for energy efficiency.

🧱 8. Address Foundation or Wall Cracks

Any visible cracks in walls (inside or out), ceilings, or the foundation should be assessed by a professional. If needed, complete the repair work before listing — or at least be prepared to offer documentation and repair quotes.

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👷‍♂️ Consider a Pre-Listing Inspection in 2025

If you’re a motivated seller in today’s market, you might want to go one step further: hire your own inspector before you list.

A pre-listing inspection gives you insight into any problems before buyers do. This way, you can:

• Make repairs proactively
• Price your home accordingly
• Offer repair credits instead of losing buyers to surprise issues

In 2025’s competitive housing market, showing buyers that you’re transparent and proactive about your home’s condition builds trust — and that can lead to a faster, smoother sale.

Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home search website.

Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.

You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently.  You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.

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