A seller-focused guide to navigating inspections and appraisals without losing leverage or momentum.
Once your home goes under contract, two critical checkpoints determine how smoothly the deal moves forward: the buyer’s inspection and the buyer’s appraisal. These steps often create stress for sellers not because something is wrong, but because most people don’t understand how they actually work. Many deals fall apart not because of major defects, but because sellers aren’t prepared for the inspection process and how buyers react to it.
This Inspections & Appraisals hub explains what to expect, how to prepare, and how to respond strategically so you can protect your position and keep your sale on track.
Start Here: Inspections and Appraisals 101
Inspections and appraisals aren’t pass-or-fail tests they’re information-gathering steps that shape the negotiation phase of your sale. Sellers who understand this process ahead of time make better decisions and avoid unnecessary concessions.
This guide walks through the entire inspection and appraisal process from the seller’s point of view, including common pitfalls and how to handle them calmly and confidently.
What Sellers Can Expect in the Southwest Suburbs
Homes across the southwest suburbs vary widely in age, condition, and construction. Because of that, inspectors and appraisers tend to focus closely on safety issues, deferred maintenance, and whether pricing aligns with recent comparable sales.
Inspections shape repair negotiations. Appraisals protect the buyer’s lender. Both influence the final outcome but neither needs to derail your sale when you understand what matters and how to respond.
Inspection & Appraisal FAQ
How long does the inspection take?
Most inspections last 2–3 hours depending on the size and age of the home. Sellers don’t need to attend, but the home should be fully accessible.
Do I have to fix everything the inspector finds?
No. Inspections are not repair mandates. Many requests are negotiable depending on market conditions.
What if the buyer asks for too much?
You can counter, offer credits, or decline unreasonable requests. Strategy not emotion should guide these decisions.
What determines the appraisal value?
Appraisers analyze recent comparable sales, condition, upgrades, location, and current market momentum not list price alone.
What happens if the appraisal comes in low?
Options may include renegotiation, appraisal challenges, lender review, or buyer financing adjustments. A low appraisal is a problem to solve not an automatic deal-breaker.