The home inspection isn’t just a buyer event. It’s something sellers need to understand as well. Once you accept an offer, the inspection becomes one of the next major milestones in the transaction — and being prepared helps everything move more smoothly.


After a contract is signed, the buyer schedules a licensed inspector to evaluate the property. The inspector will spend several hours reviewing the home from top to bottom, including the roof, foundation, HVAC, plumbing, electrical systems, appliances, and accessible structural components. In markets like Columbus and Delaware, Ohio, inspections are detailed and thorough — and that’s completely normal.


It’s important to remember that inspectors are trained to document everything they see. Even small maintenance items will appear in the report. This does not mean your home is in poor condition. It simply means the inspector is doing their job carefully and comprehensively.


After the inspection, the buyer may submit a “Request to Remedy.” This is a written list of items they are asking to have repaired, replaced, or credited. Sellers are not automatically required to fix everything. We review the request together and determine what makes sense. Sometimes repairs are completed. Sometimes a credit is negotiated. And sometimes certain items are declined if they are cosmetic or minor.


Inspection day itself requires preparation. Sellers should plan to leave the home for the entire duration of the inspection to give buyers privacy to evaluate and discuss findings comfortably. All pets, especially dogs, should be removed from the property. Inspectors need clear and safe access to attics, basements, crawl spaces, and mechanical areas without distractions or safety concerns.