Whilst preparing your property for the real estate market, you may have already put some thought into how to wow prospective buyers with your home's fabulous features as soon as they walk through the door.

But it's equally important to show that your home's systems are in good working order. After all, eager house hunters can be put off if they sense your home may have something to hide.

Luckily, it's not too difficult to patch up minor issues with your property and present it in its best light to make for a smooth home inspection and a more comfortable sale. The trick is to take a step back and systematically assess your own home through the eyes of a prospective buyer. If anything is hard to see or appears less than perfect, spend a bit of time fixing it before the home is open for inspection.

With that in mind, here are seven simple tips to follow when preparing for a home inspection with a potential buyer:

Declutter walls and floors

Buyers will pay close attention to your walls and flooring, so make an effort to keep those areas clear and provide the necessary access. Tall shelves that reach the ceiling could be covering up water damage. And a smattering of rugs might look cosy to you, but to an observant outsider, this could suggest you're trying to cover up stains or other damage.

Clear the perimeter of your home

The same advice goes for the outside of your property. Aim to leave about 6 inches of space around the outside edges of your home so the buyer can get a good look at everything. Simply removing backyard debris and other obstacles can make for a quicker and easier home inspection.

Make sure all the lights are in working order

The buyer needs to see that all of the light fixtures are in working order. If a light doesn't come on, it could suggest faulty wiring or another electrical problem. For this reason, it's necessary to go through and check all the lights so that you can replace any bulbs that have gone out.

Don't forget to check your property's plumbing fixtures when preparing for a home inspection.

Check and clean home appliances

Clogged air filters and filthy oven interiors can lead a would-be buyer to believe the property hasn't been well looked after. If your appliances show regular signs of use, take some time to clean them out, swap old filters and ensure they are in proper working order.

Take a look at the roof and gutters

You might not pay much attention to the condition of your roof or what's sitting in your gutters — but a buyer certainly will. When preparing for a home inspection, safely assess your roof, chimneys and skylights for any signs of damage that require repairs. Clean out the gutters as well to finish off the job.

The aim is to present a well-maintained and cared-for property.

Ensure plumbing fixtures are working properly

Turn on all the water taps to ensure hot and cold water come out with the appropriate pressure and that the drainage pipes aren't clogged. Flush the toilets to see if they run for too long as well. If you come across any minor issues, have these resolved before the open for inspection.

Address wonky doors, drawers and cabinets

Do you have wobbly cabinets and doors that don't sit properly in their frames? Go around the house and tighten the screws on the hinges, which can easily loosen over time. Check that all door knobs and latches work as well. If any cabinets or drawers slam when shut, add some adhesive cabinet door bumpers to minimise the impact.

The aim is to present a well-maintained and cared-for property. Buyers want to know the home is in the best possible condition, so always make sure that’s the impression you’re leaving them with. To find out more about preparing your home for inspection, reach out to the team at Nelson Alexander today or contact one of our 16 offices for a chat.