The weather is another factor to consider when preparing your property for an inspection by Landmark Inspections. If possible, heat or cool your home at the right time of the year. Using portable heaters or fans strategically can show prospective buyers that your home is comfortable during any season. Keeping in mind that the weather can vary significantly from place to place, you should monitor the climate and try to accommodate potential buyers’ needs. Also, check for cockroaches and ants, and prepare brochures to remind buyers of their potential purchase.

Checking Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

If you’re preparing your property for an inspection, you should check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, if applicable. Oregon and Washington have separate standards, so be sure to check the locations of each type before the inspection. The National Conference of State Legislatures has a handy guide to these laws. If you’re unsure about the laws in your state, you should check the links below.

While not strictly required by law, many towns require homeowners to install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. In Massachusetts, homeowners must install these devices within ten feet of the bedroom door. Moreover, sellers must provide smoke and carbon monoxide detector certificates for each buyer at closing. In addition to these, sellers are required to provide a Title V report for homes with private septic systems.

Cleaning Your Home

Before an inspection, it is important to clean your home thoroughly. The inspector will look for any signs of water damage or leaks. If any of these are present, you should take care to repair the damage and disclose it to the buyer. You should also check your walls, floors, and ceilings for signs of water damage, such as warping and peeling paint. If possible, consider cleaning the exterior as well. In addition, make sure to give the home inspector keys to all outbuildings and electrical boxes.

To make a good impression, clean the entire house. While you might not want the inspector to find any issues, a spotless house can make you look more presentable. Make sure you remove any clutter and clean every inch of the property, including the attic and basement. The inspection report will tell potential buyers about the condition of your house based on its appearance and condition. A clean house also means you have less to hide from the buyer and may end up negotiating the price of the home.

Checking for Cockroaches and Ants

Cockroaches and ants are two common pests found in homes. These insects are highly adapted to living in damp, dark environments, and they will thrive for up to three months without eating. They can be found in the basement and garage, where food remains unattended for long periods of time. In order to survive in these areas, they will seek to infest items that are often kept out of sight.

Before preparing your property for an inspection, check for ants and cockroaches. Cockroaches love cardboard boxes because they’re easy to hide in. The adhesive in cardboard makes them easy to maneuver between corrugation and crevices. Instead, use plastic tubs to pack your belongings. These containers are sealed and don’t offer a hiding place for insects.

Creating Brochures

It’s important to remember that your brochures must be visually striking. Don’t cram your brochures full of unnecessary text and images. Use bright and bold colors to capture the attention of potential buyers. Your brochure layout should feature high-resolution photos and clear, concise text. Using a double-page design also highlights the beauty of the images. When preparing your brochures, keep the following tips in mind:

Use the appropriate fonts for the brochure’s content. Avoid over-using impact fonts; they’re only useful for headings. Serif fonts, on the other hand, allow the reader to pick up the letter shape. Don’t use comic fonts – these are not appropriate for a professional brochure. Avoid overlapping fonts. Avoid overlapping text and bulleted lists.