Selling your Orlando home? A home inspection is the buyer’s deep dive into your property, and a dealmaker or breaker. Prepping now means fewer surprises, fewer delays, and more money at closing.
This home inspection checklist for sellers will help you stay ahead.
Thinking of selling? Let’s pass inspection the first time.
What to Expect from a Home Inspection as a Seller
Once your Orlando home goes under contract, the home inspection usually takes place within 5–10 days. It’s the buyer’s chance to assess your home’s condition, not its value.
Here’s what inspectors typically look for:
Roof condition and potential leaks
Electrical systems and wiring
Plumbing, drainage, and water heaters
HVAC systems and airflow
Foundation, structure, and insulation
Windows, doors, and any signs of mold or pests
What it’s not:
It’s not an appraisal (so no price valuation), and it’s not just about catching the “big” problems. Even minor issues like loose railings or missing GFCI outlets can spook buyers or trigger repair requests.
That’s why this seller home inspection checklist is essential: it helps you understand what’s coming, fix red flags in advance, and keep your deal on track.
Seller Home Inspection Checklist
If you're selling your home in Central Florida, this home inspection checklist for sellers will help you breeze through the process without last-minute repairs or painful price drops.
1. Book a Pre-Listing Inspection
Think of this as your trial run. A pre-listing inspection brings in a professional to assess your home before it goes on the market. Why? Because it puts you in control. You get a full home inspection report in advance, giving you time to handle issues on your terms, not in the heat of negotiations.
It also builds trust. Buyers see that you’ve done your homework and are being transparent—two things that go a long way during the buyer inspection process.
2. Fix Easy-to-Spot Problems First
Don’t let little things become big red flags. Buyers (and inspectors) notice the details:
Burned-out light bulbs
Dripping faucets
Loose doorknobs
Cracked tiles
Missing caulk or broken outlet covers
These are quick wins, minor repairs that can instantly elevate your home’s appearance and help you avoid unnecessary notes on the home inspection report.
3. Service Your Home’s Core Systems
This is where inspections get serious. Inspectors are trained to evaluate major systems for function and safety, and buyers often walk away over issues here. Avoid that by checking the big three:
HVAC – Get a professional tune-up. A clean filter and service receipt go a long way.
Water heater – Flush it if needed, check for corrosion or leaks.
Electrical panel – Label breakers, ensure they are accessible, and look out for scorch marks or loose wiring.
These systems are often the source of home inspection red flags, and they can sink a deal fast. Showing that they’ve been maintained gives buyers peace of mind—and keeps your asking price intact.
4. Address Water Damage and Leaks
Nothing makes a buyer panic faster than signs of moisture. That’s why water-related issues top the list of things sellers should fix before inspection. Stains on ceilings? Get them repainted after fixing the source of the leak. Damp basements or musty-smelling closets? That’s a red flag.
Even a small drip under the sink can be flagged in the home inspection report, potentially raising concerns about mold, wood rot, or structural issues.
🔧 What to check and fix before listing:
Leaky roofs or skylights
Water stains on ceilings or walls
Slow-draining tubs or sinks
Clogged gutters or downspouts
Pooling water near the foundation
5. Declutter and Deep Clean the Entire Home
Want to impress both buyers and inspectors? Clean like you’re being judged because you are. A spotless space suggests a well-maintained home. It helps inspectors do their job and prevents them from writing “could not inspect due to clutter” in the home inspection report.
Focus on these often-overlooked zones:
Inside the oven, fridge, and dishwasher
Behind the toilet and under sinks
Garage shelves, attic storage, utility closets
Baseboards, vents, and ceiling fans
6. Provide Full Access to Key Areas
One of the most overlooked items in a home inspection checklist for sellers is accessibility. Inspectors are on a clock, and if they can’t access areas like the attic or crawlspace, they’ll note it as “not inspected,” which raises questions for the buyer later.
📌 Ensure clear, unlocked access to:
Attics and basements
Crawlspaces
Electrical panels
HVAC and water heater units
Garage and utility rooms
Fenced areas or outbuildings
7. Check Smoke Detectors, GFCIs, and Safety Devices
You’d be surprised how many inspections flag basic safety issues, such as a dead battery in a smoke detector or a faulty GFCI outlet. These are small, inexpensive fixes, but if ignored, they can become big red flags during a home inspection.
Your safety sweep should include:
Testing all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors (replace any over 10 years old)
Ensuring GFCI outlets (usually in kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor areas) trip and reset properly
Checking that stair rails are secure and exterior lights work
Verifying that fire extinguishers are present and not expired
8. Focus on Curb Appeal and Exterior Details
Your home’s first impression happens before anyone steps inside, and that includes the inspector. An unkempt yard or cracked walkway can set the wrong tone. More importantly, damaged siding or poor drainage can show up in the home inspection report as potential structural concerns.
During summer in Central Florida, high humidity and heavy rain can make exterior maintenance extra important. Pressure washing the stucco, cleaning mildew from soffits, and ensuring no standing water near the foundation can show that your home handles the weather well.
To-do list:
Trim shrubs and remove dead branches
Repaint or clean the front door
Fix broken pavers, steps, or railings
Clear debris from gutters and roof valleys
Wash windows and hose down the driveway
9. Leave Appliance Manuals and Repair Records
Transparency = trust.
When buyers and inspectors see a folder on the counter with appliance manuals, warranties, and maintenance receipts, it shows that you’ve kept the home in good shape, and that eases their minds.
What to include:
Manuals for kitchen appliances, HVAC systems, and water heater
Receipts for roof repairs, HVAC servicing, and pest control
Dates and contractors for major upgrades (windows, plumbing, etc.)
10. Don’t Be Present During the Inspection
Here’s one of the most overlooked tips in every home inspection checklist for sellers: don’t hover. You being home during the inspection can make buyers uncomfortable. They need to explore, ask candid questions, and picture themselves living there.
👋 Instead, do this:
Plan to be away for 2–3 hours
Leave the thermostat set to a comfortable temp
Unlock all gates, cabinets, and outbuildings before leaving
Ask your Realtor (not you!) to be the point of contact for any questions
After the Home Inspection — What Happens Next?
Once the inspection wraps up, the ball’s in the buyer’s court. You’ll likely receive a repair request list or a credit request based on what came up in the home inspection report. Some buyers might ask you to fix a leaky faucet or a broken GFCI outlet. Others might request a credit so they can handle the repairs themselves after closing.
Here’s where things get real:
You don’t have to fix everything. Focus on health, safety, and structural concerns; these are the typical home inspection red flags buyers care most about. Loose doorknobs or cosmetic dings? Often negotiable.
Your job isn’t to hand over a perfect home; it’s to be fair, transparent, and strategic.
A Smooth Inspection Means a Smoother Sale
When it comes to selling your home, the home inspection checklist for sellers isn’t just a to-do list—it’s your ticket to a faster, cleaner closing. With a little prep and the right strategy, you can avoid costly surprises, reduce renegotiations, and give buyers every reason to say yes.
📍Selling in Orlando? Let’s make your home inspection one less thing to stress about.
✅ Ready to list with confidence?
Let’s build your pre-listing game plan together. Contact Top Homes Orlando today and get expert guidance every step of the way.
