Everything You Need to Know About Getting Your Home Inspected Before Selling

Thinking of putting your home on the market in Savannah? Before you list, there’s one step that could help you avoid last-minute surprises, strengthen your negotiating position, and sell with confidence: a home inspection. While most people associate inspections with buyers, smart sellers know that getting a pre-listing home inspection can be just as important.

Here’s what every homeowner should know about the process and how it can help you have a smoother, more successful sale.

A pre-listing inspection is exactly what it sounds like: a professional home inspection ordered by the seller before the property hits the market. It’s the same general process as a buyer’s inspection, but instead of reacting to someone else’s findings, you’re taking control early.

In Savannah’s competitive market, where buyers are quick to move but just as quick to walk away, a home inspection before selling can give sellers an important edge. By understanding your home’s condition upfront, you can either make repairs in advance or adjust your listing price accordingly.

Even if your home looks great on the surface, you never really know what a buyer’s inspector will find. Doing your own inspection first lets you catch and fix issues before they become negotiation headaches.

When buyers see that a recent inspection has been conducted (and any necessary repairs have been made), it builds trust. It also reduces the chance of surprises that delay or derail a deal once you're under contract.

If you already know what’s wrong and have priced accordingly, you’re in a better position to stand firm when buyers come back with requests. Transparency helps you control the narrative and avoid giving unnecessary concessions.

Savannah buyers, especially those relocating or buying a second home, appreciate when sellers do their homework. Marketing your home as “pre-inspected” can help it stand out.

If you’re scheduling a home inspection before selling, preparation is key. The goal isn’t to make your home perfect. It’s to make sure the inspection goes smoothly and shows your property in the best possible light. A little effort up front can prevent red flags, reduce repair requests, and even speed up your sale.

Here’s how Savannah homeowners can get ready for a pre-listing inspection:

Walk through your home with a buyer’s eye. Fix minor issues like leaky faucets, loose doorknobs, cracked caulk, squeaky hinges, and damaged outlet covers. These small fixes may seem insignificant, but inspectors note everything, and long lists of little problems can give buyers the wrong impression.

Inspectors need to get into the attic, crawl space, electrical panel, HVAC system, and water heater. Make sure all of these areas are easy to reach with no boxes, furniture, or locked doors in the way. If they can’t access something, it can delay your sale or trigger unnecessary concern.

Buyers and inspectors pay close attention to plumbing, HVAC, and electrical systems. Replace HVAC filters, test your smoke detectors, and ensure light fixtures work. If you’ve had recent servicing or upgrades, leave the paperwork out for the inspector; it shows you’ve kept up with maintenance.

A clean house doesn’t just look better; it makes inspectors’ jobs easier. A tidy home suggests responsible ownership, which can influence how buyers perceive the inspection report. Vacuum, dust, wipe down surfaces, and clear under sinks so plumbing is visible.

Even if the home is vacant, all utilities (electricity, water, and gas) should be on for the inspection. Otherwise, the inspector can’t test appliances, plumbing, or HVAC systems, which could lead to an incomplete report or a request for a second inspection.

Plan to be out of the house for at least a few hours during the inspection. It helps the inspector focus and gives buyers and their agent a chance to ask questions freely if they attend.

Not necessarily. The goal of a pre-listing inspection isn’t to make your home perfect. It’s to make your sale more predictable.

After the inspection, you can choose to:

• Make essential repairs (especially safety or structural issues)
• Price the home accordingly and disclose known issues
• Offer repair credits as part of your negotiation strategy

Sometimes, it’s smarter to let the buyer handle certain cosmetic updates, especially if they plan to remodel. Your real estate agent can help you decide what’s worth fixing and what’s better left alone.

If your inspector uncovers a big issue, like foundation movement, roof damage, or electrical hazards, don’t panic. Every home has issues, and major problems don’t mean your sale is doomed.

Instead, talk with your agent and decide how to handle it:

• Get a contractor’s quote so you know what you're working with.
• Make the repair to avoid turning off buyers.
• Adjust your list price and disclose the issue upfront.

The Teresa Cowart Team has worked with many Savannah sellers to navigate these situations with confidence. With the right advice and pricing strategy, even homes with bigger issues can sell successfully.

In most cases, yes. A pre-listing home inspection before selling gives you control, confidence, and clarity. It helps avoid surprises, keeps your timeline intact, and makes your property more appealing to serious buyers.

Especially in Savannah’s market, where buyers are savvy and competition can be tight, doing your homework upfront sets your listing apart.

If you’re preparing to sell your home and want a smooth experience from start to finish, the Teresa Cowart Team is here to help. From recommending trusted local inspectors to helping you decide what repairs are worth tackling, they’ll guide you every step of the way.

Contact the Teresa Cowart Team today to get expert advice on preparing your home for inspections and beyond.