Published: September 27, 2026
Quick answer: Prepare for a home inspection and appraisal by checking lights, keeping utilities on, clearing access to the attic and equipment, arranging for pets, and gathering repair records. Do the preparation before the inspection, then keep everything accessible for the appraisal. These appointments serve different purposes, but much of the practical work overlaps.
Your house is under contract. Before you stack moving boxes in front of the attic door, take a few minutes to get ready for the next appointments.
For my sellers around Hattiesburg, I like one practical preparation list. Handle these items before the home inspection, and you will already have much of the work done for the appraisal.
How are the home inspection and appraisal different?
The inspection focuses on the home’s condition; the appraisal estimates its market value.
| Appointment | Who typically arranges it? | What is the purpose? |
|---|---|---|
| Home inspection | The buyer hires the inspector. | Evaluate accessible systems and components and report observed concerns. |
| Appraisal | The buyer’s lender orders it. | Obtain an independent opinion of value to help evaluate the proposed loan. |
The appraiser considers size, layout, condition, improvements, and comparable sales. Information about the roof, water heater, and HVAC system can be useful. Visible concerns such as peeling paint may also matter, depending on the condition and loan requirements. This is not the same as the inspector’s examination of the home’s systems.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau explains why inspections and appraisals serve separate purposes. Their order on the calendar can vary. I will help coordinate your appointments as they are scheduled.
Download the printable preparation checklist (PDF)
What should you do before a home inspection and appraisal?
Start with working lights, clear access, connected utilities, and the information you already have about the house.
- Check every light.
Walk through the house and turn on the lights, including closets, the garage, and exterior fixtures. Replace burned out bulbs. If a light does not operate, the inspection report may note that without determining whether the problem is the bulb, switch, or fixture. A working bulb removes one avoidable question. If the light still does not work, let me know.
- Clear attic and crawl space access.
Move boxes, furniture, and hanging clothes away from the entrance. If there is a pull down attic stair, leave room for it to open. The inspector needs access, and the appraiser may need to view the attic and insulation, depending on the assignment and loan requirements. You do not need to empty the attic. Keep the entrance and access area clear, and leave entering these spaces to the professionals.
- Make equipment easy to reach.
Clear a path to the water heater, heating and cooling equipment, electrical panel, and garage. Move belongings that block doors or equipment. Make it possible to reach these areas without rearranging your storage. Do not remove electrical covers yourself.
- Keep utilities on and appliances accessible.
Leave electricity, water, and gas service connected as applicable. Empty the dishwasher and remove laundry from the washer and dryer before the inspection. Leave appliance controls and necessary remotes available. Tell me about anything disconnected, shut down, or requiring special instructions.
- Gather records you already have.
Put together receipts for repairs, maintenance records, and a short list of improvements. Include known installation or replacement dates for the roof, water heater, and HVAC system. If you do not know an age, say so rather than guessing. Send me the information so I can help make it available for the appointments.
- Plan for pets, keys, and locked spaces.
Arrange a secure place for pets that allows access to the areas being evaluated. Let me know about gates, outbuildings, alarm instructions, and any rooms that need a key. Check access again before each appointment, especially if you have started packing.
Which repairs should you discuss before spending money?
Tell me about known problems before starting a major repair or replacement.
Check ordinary items you can safely handle, such as bulbs and detector batteries. Flag leaks, damaged surfaces, peeling paint, or equipment that is not operating. A fresh coat of paint is not a substitute for identifying the cause of a water stain.
Preparation helps the appointment go smoothly. It does not guarantee a report without findings. Let’s discuss the issue and involve a qualified professional when needed, especially for electrical, gas, roofing, or structural work.
If you are still planning your sale, my guide to repairs to consider before selling your home covers the earlier preparation stage.
What should you double check on appointment day?
Make sure the house is accessible and your preparation has stayed in place.
Packing has a way of undoing a clear pathway. Check the attic entrance, equipment, and locked spaces again. Confirm the pet plan and leave the agreed keys or remotes available. Let me know if something has changed since we scheduled the appointment.
Working lights, clear access, and accurate information are useful for both visits. Get those basics ready once, then maintain them while we move toward closing.
What else do sellers ask about these appointments?
Is a home inspection the same as an appraisal?
No. A home inspection evaluates condition and helps the buyer understand potential problems. An appraisal develops an opinion of market value for the lender. One does not replace the other.
Does the appraiser need access to the attic?
The appraiser may need to view the attic, including insulation, depending on the appraisal and loan requirements. Clear the entrance before the home inspection and keep it accessible for the appraisal.
Why should I replace light bulbs before the inspection?
A light that does not operate may be noted in the report without the inspector determining the cause. Replacing a burned out bulb helps avoid that uncertainty. If the fixture still does not work, tell your agent.
Should utilities stay on if I have already moved out?
Yes. Keep utilities connected for the inspection and any appraisal checks that require them. Coordinate the eventual transfer or shutoff with your agent and the requirements of your sale.
Should I replace older equipment before the appointments?
Age alone is not a reason to automatically replace a roof, water heater, or HVAC system. Gather the information you have, identify known problems, and discuss next steps with your agent before committing to major work.
Do I need to be home for the appointments?
Confirm the access plan with your agent before each appointment. We will work through the schedule, pets, keys, and any special instructions so the professionals can do their work.
Have questions about getting your house ready? Call or text me at (601) 606-3001, and we will work through them together.
