Frequently Asked Questions from Home Sellers About Inspections

Frequently Asked Questions from Home Sellers About Inspections
By City Home Inspectors

🏠 Selling a home can stir up a lot of uncertainty—especially around the inspection. Will it go smoothly? Will it cost you money? Could it kill the deal?

At City Home Inspectors, we’ve worked with thousands of Chicagoland sellers—and we hear the same questions again and again. Let’s answer them, clearly and honestly.

❓ "Will the inspector find everything?"

Honest answer: No inspection is 100% exhaustive—but we’re trained to evaluate all accessible systems and identify material issues. Think of it as a snapshot of the home’s condition, not an X-ray.

🔍 We check structure, systems, safety items, roof, plumbing, HVAC, and more—with photos and clear explanations.

❓ "Can I be present during the inspection?"

Yes, you can—but it’s more common for buyers to attend while sellers step out. This gives buyers space to ask questions and bond with their future home.

If you do stay, we recommend giving the inspector space to work and avoiding direct conversations about the findings—let your agent handle post-inspection communication.

❓ "How much will repairs cost?"

It depends. Inspectors identify problems—but don’t quote repair costs. We encourage getting estimates from licensed contractors after reviewing the report.

💡 Pro Tip: Fixing minor issues (like leaks or missing handrails) before inspection day can help avoid inflated repair requests from buyers.

❓ "What if the buyer walks away?"

It’s rare—but possible. If significant issues arise and you can’t reach a repair or credit agreement, buyers may back out during the inspection contingency window.

📘 Solution: Get a pre-listing inspection. It shows good faith, builds buyer trust, and lets you handle problems proactively—reducing walkaway risk.

🧠 The inspection doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right preparation and mindset, it can be a smooth step toward closing.

📅 Ready to take control? Book your pre-listing inspection at www.cityhomeinspectors.com