Selling a house in Milwaukee involves a number of steps, and one of the most significant ones is the home inspection. If you’ve already accepted an offer, it’s time to start preparing for this part of the process.
Knowing what to expect before the home inspection begins can help you avoid surprises, minimize anxiety, and ensure a smooth and successful transaction.
What Is A Home Inspection?
A home inspection is a professional and formal assessment of your home’s condition. During an inspection, your home’s plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems will be evaluated, as will the roof, foundation, and other key aspects of your home.
When an inspector is looking over your home, they’ll mainly be looking for elements that depreciate properties as well as safety concerns. A thorough home inspection usually takes a few hours. After it’s complete, the inspector will deliver a report within a few days.
Sellers commonly view the inspection results through the pass-fail lens, but the process is more complex than that. The report will display significant and minor findings, and it’ll help the buyer determine whether or not they want to walk away from the deal.
You don’t need to fix every issue, but what you choose to fix, and what you choose to leave, both significantly impact the sale price.
What Inspectors Look For
Here’s what a typical home inspector looks for:
- Foundation And Structure: Cracks, water damage, and signs of settling.
- Roof And Gutters: Missing shingles, leaks, or drainage issues.
- Electrical And Plumbing: Outdated wiring, leaks, and poor water pressure.
- Heating And Cooling Systems: Functionality and age of the HVAC system.
- Appliances: Tested for proper operation ( if they’re included in the sale).
Again, the focus is mainly on safety and structural soundness—not cosmetic issues. For example, peeling paint or outdated decor won’t be noted, unless they’re illustrative of bigger problems, like mold or water damage.
What They Don’t Inspect
Inspectors typically skip things like:
- Security systems
- Fireplaces and chimneys
- Detached buildings (except garages)
- Cosmetic details (wall colors and finishes)
Their job is to make sure the home is livable and safe—they’re not there to judge your style.
Who Attends The Inspection?
Usually, the buyer and their agent are present for the inspection. Yes, sellers can be present, but they’re often encouraged to give the inspector and buyer space. Hearing every comment made about your home can be stressful and may negatively affect negotiations.
How To Prepare Your Home
A well-prepared home can make a good impression. Here are simple things you can do:
- Replace any burnt-out light bulbs.
- Clean HVAC filters and ensure the system works.
- Make sure smoke detectors are functioning.
- Clear access to the attic, basement, and electrical panel.
- Fix any small leaks or cracks in windows and doors.
Even if you prepare, inspections can still reveal numerous issues. Many sellers do a pre-listing inspection so they can find and fix problems early. However, this can cost extra and delay the process.
A Simpler Option: Sell As Is
If you’re thinking: “I need to sell my house fast,” going the traditional route with inspections and repairs can feel overwhelming. The good news? You have another option!
At Sell House MKE, we buy houses in Milwaukee as is—that means no repairs, no cleanup, and no inspection contingencies. Selling to us may be the best choice if your home is old or in need of a lot of work. Cash home buyers in Milwaukee work fast, and ensuring a stress-free sale is our number-one goal.
Final Thoughts
Understanding what happens during a home inspection will put you in a better position as a seller. But if you’d rather avoid the hassles altogether, working with a trusted local cash buyer is probably the right move.
Ready to skip all the uncertainties and sell your home quickly? Contact Sell House MKE today to get a no-obligation cash offer. Experience a smoother way to sell